The practice of a regular physical activity is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as to curb the increasing number of cardiovascular, diabetes, and obese patients among the population, stated the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, this morning, at Le Bouchon.
He was participating, along with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Stephan Toussaint, and the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram, in a symbolic march in the context of International World Walking Day 2021.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with the Mauritius Sports Council, and the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology are organising several activities across the country to celebrate the day. Walking distances to be covered at the various walking sites range from seven to 20 kilometres so as to enable every citizen to participate.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth expressed satisfaction that the citizens, though limited in number due to the COVID-19 established protocol, are fully participating in the activities.
Government, he said, has adopted the policy to sensitise the population on the importance of practicing a regular sport or physical activity through the organisation of different activities.
Mr Jugnauth further deplored that only 30% of the population practice a regular physical activity or a sport which is not a good sign. He appealed to the population to give more importance to their health and to adopt a sports culture for their own benefit and the country at large. A healthy population can contribute more significantly to the socio-economic development of a country, he added.
Launched in 1991 by TAFISA, the World Walking Day has become a global event, reaching more than 15 million people across 50 countries. The objective of the event is to encourage and motivate people, of all ages, to practice walking as a regular physical activity for their physical and mental well-being. Mauritius is also part of this movement.
