Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Youth, Sports and Family of Seychelles and President of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI), Mrs Marie-Celine Zialor, along with her delegation, visited the Pointe Jerome Youth Training Centre, in Mahebourg, this morning, on the occasion of the Indian Ocean Youth Day 2021.
On this last day of her four-day visit, she also visited the Mahebourg Waterfront and the Blue Bay Arena. She was accompanied by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Stephan Toussaint, and the Secretary-General of the CJSOI, Mr A.
Cheetamun. On that occasion, souvenirs were remitted to the Minister and her delegation. In her address, Mrs Marie-Celine Zialor, paid salute to all the youths of the seven Member States, on the occasion of the celebration of the Indian Ocean Youth Day 2021.
She qualified them as a group of youngsters from different origins and background, dynamic, ambitious and living in harmony. She recalled that the theme of the Day, namely ‘Le Sport et la jeunesse pour la santé’, is relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic that has been prevailing for the last two years, and that has kept many activities pending.
She emphasised that being healthy means to have a good mental, spiritual, intellectual and physical state, and stressed that practising sports is the best way to protect one’s health.
On that score, she called upon the youths of the Indian Ocean to act as ambassadors of sports and good health and to inculcate these values to the community, in particular the elderly and children, so as to build a community which is in perfect health.
She reaffirmed the philosophy of the CJSOI which seeks to promote solidarity, sharing and developing regional cooperation among the Member states. She expressed hope that this opportune day marks the renewed spirit of sharing as well as kickstarts activities aligned with the goal of promoting a generation of youths that are in excellent health.
The Minister further added that through her visit in Mauritius, she essentially looked forward to reinforce and cement the existing brotherhood in the Indian Ocean.
She further stated that the holding of the Games in 2022 should be made in such a way that it sets an example for the world. She expressed conviction that Small Island States have the capacity to influence the world in a positive way.
As for Minister Stephan Toussaint, he said that this special day celebrates all the youths of the Indian Ocean. He called upon all the youths to keep preparing for the CJSOI Games, that will be certainly be held in the best conditions next year.
Furthermore, he stated that during her visit to Mauritius, Minister Zialor had the occasion to visit all the concerned sites and infrastructure where the Games will be held next year, adding that she also had various working sessions in regards to the preparations being made to this end, and to take stock of the progress made.
Minister Toussaint further underlined that the keenness of the youths to celebrate sports will empower them to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic does not impact and affect them.
As for Mr A. Cheetamun, he recalled that the President of the CJSOI has undertaken a four-day familiarisation visit in Mauritius. He underlined that the Minister has had the opportunity to address all the youths of the Indian Ocean on this special day.
He also expressed hope that the working sessions, and visits in Mauritius enabled Minister Zialor to take stock of the progress made in the context of the preparation of the Games, which will eventually her in the organisation of the event.
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