Republic of Mauritius- Government is committed to promoting sports culture for a healthier nation, says Minister Wong

Addressing the youth on this occasion, Minister Wong highlighted that the aim of this tournament, organised by the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), is to provide a platform for the youth to develop their interests and practical skills in all sporting disciplines as well as to set themselves challenges in the sporting field.

The Minister stated that this tournament promotes the values of sports and is a platform where participants of all districts of Mauritius will have an opportunity to build and strengthen relations of friendship and brotherhood.

Sports, he said, forms an integral part of the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Development adding that it continuously promotes a sports culture in their programmes. Speaking about benefits of practising sports, Minister Wong pointed out that it is a good way for the youth and other people to stay physically fit and a good method of keeping away illnesses. Sports is an efficient tool to teach discipline to youngsters from a very young age and to motivate them to accept the victory of opponents, he underlined.

Speaking about the Futsal Tournament, the Minister said that it focuses on social inclusion of the Social Register of Mauritius’s (SRM) registered children within the mainstream youth populace adding that it can be a real tool for enhancing self-development and self-confidence among them. He further said that Futsal, like any other sports discipline, relies heavily on discipline, control, skills, and helps youth from pockets of poverty go up the economic ladder.

The Futsal Tournament

With the advent of the Indian Ocean Island Games 2019 and enthusiasm associated with sports, the NEF organised a one-day Futsal tournament, gathering children from pockets of poverty across the country.

The tournament targeted boys and girls up to the age of 16 years old and gathered 9 teams of 10 players, amounting to a total of 90 players. The top 3 teams will receive gifts as follows: The winning team will be awarded a gold medal per player and a Winner’s cup; the 1^st Runner Up will receive a silver medal per player; and the 2^nd Runner Up will receive a bronze medal per player.

This edition was organised with the objective to inculcate discipline and core values of a contemporary society; reduce sub-cultural diversity; promote interactions through regression of stereotypes; foster community spirit; provide alternatives to social ills; and scout new talent.