Government has set, as priority, the sensitisation of the population to practise regular physical activities and has thus facilitated access to sports by putting in place sports infrastructure in many regions across the island, stated the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
He was speaking at the launch of the first edition of the Family Fun Day, “Jeux interville et village”, on Sunday at the Côte D’Or National Sports Complex.
The Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, the Chairperson of the Association District Councils (ADC), Mr Sudhirchandra Mahesh Kumar Soonarane, the Chairperson of the Association of Urban Authorities (AUA), Mr Magen Mootoosamy, as well as other eminent personalities were also present.
Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that the Family Fun Day is an opportunity to bring together all local authorities under one roof and to organise a series of sports and leisure activities with each other’s collaboration. The main objective, he underlined, is to create friendship, promote unity and fraternity between district councils and municipalities. He rejoiced at the huge participation of the public and especially the youth.
He also dwelt on the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle for one’s own well-being and better performance.
Speaking of the state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Prime Minister underpinned that the Côte D’Or National Complex has become a major sports venue, not only for elite athletes but also for the population at large. The complex, he added, will become more accessible to the public with the extension of the Metro Express from Réduit to Côte D’or.
For his part, Vice Prime Minister Husnoo spoke of the need to practise sports regularly and to lead a healthy life to reduce risks of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Government, he underlined, is doing its best to make sports accessible to each one while urging the youth to benefit from the various sports infrastructure.
As regards the event, he indicated that it aims at promoting networking among authorities; valorising social values and community life; mentoring the youth and showcase local talents and skills.
Vice Prime Minister Husnoo thanked all welfare officers and the staff of district councils as well as municipalities for their efforts in organising the event. He is hopeful that the collaboration between ADC and AUA will bring greater synergies to work for the welfare of the population.
The event is an initiative of the ADC and AUA and regroups participants from twelve local authorities namely: City Council of Port Louis; Municipal Council of Beau-Bassin / Rose-Hill; Municipal Council of Curepipe; Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes; Municipal Council of Vacoas / Phoenix, District Council of Riviere Du Rempart; District Council of Pamplemousses; District Council of Moka; District Council of Flacq; District Council of Grand Port; District Council of Savanne; and District Council of Black River.
