Secrets to healthy and active living in Mauritius

A local environment created to foster an active and healthy lifestyle makes sports such a wonderful experience. The Mauritian government provides many platforms to promote the health and wellbeing of the general public. What’s more, private facilities for fitness and wellness exist in high-end property developments such as those by 2Futures, the no. 1 luxury real estate developer on the island.

On a national level, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Sports & Recreation provides facilities not only for high-level sports but also for recreational and leisure activities. The ministry and its Mauritius Sports Council (MSC) maintain national and regional sports infrastructure. This includes sports complexes, gymnasiums, stadiums, and swimming pools.

Fitness programmes for all ages

In July 2019 the MSC initiated Active Mauritius, a nationwide campaign to encourage, facilitate, and support participation in physical activities. Active Mauritius comprises four programmes, with each targeted to specific fitness needs from childhood to teenage, adulthood, and old age. Here’s how the MSC has crafted its campaign to promote health and wellbeing for each of these age groups.

After-school programme for kids 7–13 years old

Qualified trainers run this programme in all 277 schools across Mauritius and Rodrigues for pupils in Grades 4 to 6. They conduct a total of 24 after-school sessions for sports and fitness activities mainly revolving around fun games. The concept was piloted in 2017 under the Move It banner. Its initial 2,154 participants increased to 15,981 by the first term of the 2019 school year. Other activities woven into this programme include football meets, swimming lessons, and sports camps.

Sports programme for 14–25 years old

Dubbed Youth on the Move, this programme offers secondary school students sports and fitness activities after classes. Moreover, the MSC conducts sports camps for this age group. To support the local schools’ physical education curriculum, the council organises lectures on sports medicine, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle.

Programme for active adults aged 25–64

The MSC began this programme called Ageing Well in 2017 to keep adults on a healthy and active track. It is designed for folks between 25 and 64 years of age. The programme seeks to prevent lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and cirrhosis of the liver. This can be accessed through clubs at different community centres around Mauritius as well as in Rodrigues.

Fitness for seniors age 65+

The elderly  benefit from the MSC programme to promote physical activity. The council supports activities for senior citizens at local health clubs and organises lectures on maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

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