Mauritius: In the context of the National Day Celebrations 2023, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation will organise a relay of the National Flag throughout the island, entitled ‘Marche de l’Unité’, from 09 to 11 March 2023, with a view to instil the concept of Mauritianism among young people by rallying them around the National Flag.
The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Stephan Toussaint, detailed the logistics of the ‘Marche de l’Unité’ during a press conference this morning in Port Louis. He recalled that this year marks the 55th Anniversary of the Independence and the 31st Anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius.
Mr Toussaint called on the population of all ages to join the young people in promoting and strengthening patriotism and the bond of unity around the National Flag.
The contribution of several organisations, namely the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Mauritius Police Force and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, was highlighted by Mr Toussaint. The latter also saluted the hard work of the officers of the various Departments under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation for organising such an important activity.
‘Marche de l’Unité’
Groups of youngsters from six different regions will be taking part in the three-day relay to pass the National Flag, which will kick off on Thursday, 09 March 2023, and converge to their final destination, the Plaza Complex, in Rose Hill, on Saturday, 11 March 2023.
The starting point for the six relay routes is as follows: Goodlands State Secondary School (SSS) for youngsters from the northern region; France Boyer de la Giroday SSS in Plaine Magnien for those localities in the south-east of Mauritius; Rivière des Anguilles SSS for young people in the south; College Ideal in Rivière du Rempart for the eastern region; La Gaulette SSS for young people in the west; and Mauricia Institute in Floréal for those coming from the centre of the country.
The time of departure will be 08 00 hrs on the two first days with a group of ten people carrying the National Flag over a distance of two kilometres, and passing the Flag to another group, and so on, until the endpoint for the day is reached at 14 00 hrs.
On 11 March 2023, the different groups of youngsters will commence their relay at 10 00 hrs from the point that they have reached on the previous day to arrive at the Mauritius Sports Council Sports Complex in Rose Hill. From there, they will head to the Plaza Complex, Rose Hill, accompanied by the Police Band. A cultural programme with local artists will be held there from 11 00 hrs to 13 00 hrs.