Meeting with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Recreation
United Through Sport Mauritius had the distinct honour of meeting with the current Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Recreation, The Honourable Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint, in the island’s capital, Port Louis.
During this meeting, we spoke about the core values and history of United Through Sport, introduced our dedicated team, and initiated a constructive dialogue on how we could collaborate to advance the mutual goals shared by The Honourable Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint and our organisation, as well as benefit the island as a whole. The meeting served as an enlightening platform to explore avenues of partnership and underscored our collective commitment to make a positive impact on the island’s youth.
One significant outcome of our discussion was the proposal to visit the Point Jerome facility in the southern part of the island, along with exploring the potential of utilising the newly established beach arena in the vicinity as a central hub for our collaborative coaching project. This initiative represented an exciting opportunity to enhance the lives of the local children through the transformative power of sports.
The meeting with The Honourable Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint in Port Louis marked a monumental milestone in the journey of United Through Sport in Mauritius. It symbolised the inception of a partnership brimming with potential to not only bolster the endeavours of UTS Mauritius and the Ministry but also to elevate the lives and prospects of the island’s children in participation in sports and recreation. It was a momentous step toward a shared vision of empowerment and positive change.
Visit to the Sport ministries facilities in Point Jerome
A few days following our initial meeting with the Minster of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Recreation, The Honourable Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint, an invitation was given to us to visit the Point Jerome centre situated in the south eastern part of the island. During this visit, we were granted a tour of the facility, even getting the chance to meet the weightlifting athletes in the midst of rigorous training sessions, preparing for the highly anticipated Indian Ocean island games. Mauritius’ weightlifting contingent had achieved an impressive feat, amassing an astounding 48 medals, including 17 golds!
Amidst the inspiring ambience of Point Jerome, we convened with The Honourable Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint and his dedicated team to strategize and collaborate. Together, we crafted a plan that aimed to utilise the newly established beach arena facility in Blue Bay as a platform for positive change. This plan envisioned us coaching various sports, including football, ultimate frisbee, and rugby at the arena, coupled with open water swimming sessions in the bay. These endeavours were aimed at benefiting approximately 40 local children in the southern region, providing them with coaching exposure to these sports.
Back at Point Jerome, we planned to run basketball and netball sessions. The community members at Point Jerome also lent their invaluable support by constructing a dedicated netball hoop, showcasing their commitment to our shared mission. This collaborative effort exemplified the power of partnerships and the profound impact that can be achieved when individuals and communities unite with a shared vision of empowering and uplifting the youth.
Sport and Recreation Youth Programme
The sport and recreation project was an overwhelming success! We had the privilege of working with an incredible group of children, engaging them in a diverse range of sports and fun-filled games. It undoubtedly stood out as one of the most memorable highlights of our entire trip. The boundless energy and remarkable talent exhibited by these youngsters left a lasting impression on our coaches.
Our open-water swimming program was equally successful, as we had the opportunity to immerse the children in a variety of water-based activities, enhancing their skills and bolstering their confidence in the water. This experience not only promoted safety but also instilled a deeper appreciation for aquatic activities.
Back at Point Jerome, the popularity of our netball program among girls was truly heartening, with enthusiastic participants eager for the chance to play. We are optimistic that this success serves as a stepping stone for the growth of netball on the island, fostering a lasting legacy. At the basketball project, we were delighted to witness the enthusiasm of the participants and to contribute to the expansion of their skill set and knowledge of the game.
In conclusion, our collaborative project with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Recreation was a resounding success. Our dedicated volunteers found immense fulfilment in working alongside both the children and the staff. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Recreation, as well as to The Honourable Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint, for affording us this invaluable opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the youth in the community.