Africa-Press – Mauritius. In the context of the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) to be held from 25 August to 03 September 2023 in Madagascar, the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, along with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint, met with the Mauritian athletes, at a gathering held, yesterday, at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.
Addressing the Mauritian athletes, the Prime Minister stated that Government is investing massively in sports infrastructure for the athletes to train themselves in the best possible conditions.
The Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, he stressed, is yet another major project which contributes to fostering a culture of elite sports in Mauritius.
This, he said, is in line with Government’s vision to set up state-of-the-art infrastructures for athletes to develop their competencies and participate in international competitions.
He also commended the Mauritian athletes for bagging 12 medals including six gold medals in the 9th edition of the Jeux de la Francophonie adding that their brilliant performances demonstrate that a culture of elite sports has already been established in the country.
He moreover underlined that the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a unique opportunity for athletes to show their capabilities while competing against high caliber athletes.
In view of the IOIG 2023, Prime Minister Jugnauth informed that a sum of around Rs 53 million and an additional Rs 9 million has been disbursed for the preparation of the athletes.
He further indicated that a delegation of around 700 persons will be representing Mauritius for the forthcoming multi-sports events which will also gather athletes from other countries.
The Games, he said, will provide a platform to enhance networking and further consolidate friendship and solidarity among athletes of the Indian Ocean region.
The Prime Minister exhorted the young athletes to maintain discipline, unity, fraternity and peace with their peers from participating countries and to make the Mauritian Flag fly high with their remarkable performances.
He recalled that Mauritius hosted the previous IOIG Games and bagged a total of 224 medals with 92 gold medals. He expressed hope that the Mauritian Team will make the country proud by winning more medals.
As for Minister Toussaint, he called on the participants to promote a good image of the country and to follow and respect all instructions and reminded them that they will be the ambassadors of Mauritius in Madagascar.
He likewise thanked all sponsors and stakeholders for their involvement in the preparations and training of the athletes. He appealed to the population and institutions to proudly display the Mauritian Flag on the roof of their houses and buildings as a sign of encouragement and motivation to the Mauritian Team.
The Sports Minister expressed his satisfaction as regards the training of the athletes and added that he looks forward to their brilliant performances at the Games.
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