Mauritius: The importance of practising physical activity regularly for women and girls as well as the population at large, so as to maintain a healthy lifestyle was the gist of the message of the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, today, at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex (CDNSC). He was speaking in the context of the celebration marking the 30th Anniversary of the Commission Nationale du Sport Feminin (CNSF), which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Recreation.
More than 1,000 women coming from all over the island participated in a series of activities offered by the CNSF, comprising yoga, tai-Chi, badminton, Zumba, and cycling.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo; the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Stephan Toussaint; the Chairperson of Mauritius Sports Council, Mrs Sarah Rawat-Currimjee; the Chairperson of the CNSF, Mrs Isabelle André and Lady Sarojini Jugnauth were also present.
Addressing the women present, the Prime Minister encouraged them to overcome challenges and prejudices and to be more engaged in physical activities for health benefits. He seized the opportunity to commend the CNSF for promoting sports among women and girls over the years while encouraging more female participation in more sporting activities.
Prime Minister Jugnauth reiterated Government’s commitment to foster a sporting culture through the National Sports Physical Activity Policy launched in 2018 to promote physical activity for all.
On other governmental initiatives, he spoke of the increase in the budget for CNSF; the setting up of several sporting infrastructures in the country, including health tracks; the promotion of a nationwide culture of community sport and physical activity by Active Mauritius; and a high-performance centre at the CDNSC dedicated to elite athletes; and the transformation of youth centres into hubs. The construction of a multi-sports complex at Triolet and a Beach Arena at Blue Bay was also highlighted by Mr Jugnauth.
Speaking on female participation in sports in the country, the Prime Minister pointed out that 69 young women are participating in the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Ocean Indien Games (CJSOI) to be held in December 2022 in Mauritius; 40 girls out of 300 youngsters aged 12 to 18 years are being trained by the Liverpool Football Club at the CDNSC; 37 girls are benefitting from high-level sports assistance scheme and; 241 women participated in walking activities for World Walking Day 2022 organised on 02 October.
Mr Jugnauth also lauded the remarkable performances of Mauritian women athletes such as Anaïs Angéline, Noemi Alphonse, Roilya Ranaivosoa, and Christianne Legentil at international competitions, while emphasising that Mauritius will participate in several upcoming international competitions such as Jeux de la Francophonie and the Indian Ocean Island Games.
Minister Toussaint extended congratulations to the CNSF for the 30 years of accomplishments through various activities put at the disposal of women across the country. He encouraged the women present to support Mauritian youngsters who will be competing for the forthcoming CJSOI to be held from 04 to 11 December 2022 in the country.
As for Mrs André, she expressed pride in the achievement of the CNSF, which has motivated women to take up physical activities.
The Chairperson pointed out that several activities have kicked off again after the two years of the pandemic. She also proceeded with the unveiling of the new logo of the CNSF.
About CNSF
The CNSF, set up in October 1992, aims at sensitising young girls and women about the benefits of the practice of sports. It also provides a series of activities to encourage participation in a friendly atmosphere. The CNSF is considered a pioneer in the African region by the African Women in Sport Association in promoting the practice of physical activity by girls and women in Mauritius.
The activities of the CNSF comprise free aerobics, yoga, and tai-chi held in Youth Centres & Community Centres; swimming and aqua gym sessions for ladies and women held at Serge Alfred, Le Pavillon, Souvenir, Mare d’Albert, and Rivière du Rempart swimming pools. Regular monthly activities held at the regional and national level include mega aerobics, hiking, beach games, Omnisports, and swimming gala, amongst others.