GIS – 12 August, 2019: Government has decided, in a bid to further support Mauritian athletes, to allocate an additional sum of Rs 50 000, Rs 40 000 and Rs 30 000 respectively to Gold, Silver and Bronze medallists of the 10th edition of the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG). In addition, all athletes who participated in the recent Games, which Mauritius hosted, but did not win any medal will receive the sum of Rs 20 000.
The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement, on Saturday 10 August 2019, during a reception which he hosted at the Clarisse House, in Vacoas, to honour the success of Mauritian athletes who participated in IOIG 2019. Several Ministers, members of parliament, and other personalities were present at the event.
In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth pointed out that the decision to allocate an additional sum was taken following the outstanding performances of Mauritian athletes, who, through their determination and perseverance, have enabled Mauritius to win the IOIG for the first time since the creation of the Games. The State Bank of Mauritius will open an account on behalf of each participant, with the cash prize awarded to them by the State, and these athletes will also benefit from educational, housing and personal loans at a preferential rate of 4%.
Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasised that the success of these Games is the result of the collective efforts made by each and every one at different levels. The Republic of Mauritius must be inspired by our athletes, who have never given up under any circumstance, he said. He also commended the long-term hard work of athletes, coaches, sports federations and the COJI, as well as the athletes’ families who have provided constant support.
On another note, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of practising a sports discipline and reaffirmed Government’s determination to make sports accessible to all citizens by providing additional investments. In this context, he announced the upcoming establishment of academies, other than the Liverpool Football Academy, which will be inaugurated on 23 August 2019 at the Côte d’Or Sports Complex. The aim of these academies, he said, will be to create a talent pool to promote the emergence of high-level athletes in Mauritius.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: http://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov