A strong stand for social inclusion and environmental protection in Mauritius

lt was more than a race. On the 9 th of September, over 3,500 participants gathered in the early hours of the morning for the 10 th edition of the CIEL Ferney Trail. During the past nine years, the CIEL Ferney Trail has grown up to become a major event in the local sport calendar. This year, the event went beyond its sporting dimension to  put people at the centre, with a new tagline: "Bouze Moris !".

Sensitisation through sports

ln the wake of the 50th anniversary of the lndependence of Maurit ius, to be celebrated next year, the organising team wished to use this event as an appeal for more commitment and a strong stand for social inclusion and environmental protection in Maurit ius. Sport has indeed become a powerful tool for sensitising about these two issues. And what better occasion than a trail to call for action to preserve nature and surrounding ecosystems!

Partnerships and innovations

Sorne notable innovations were introduced. The CIEL Ferney Trail teamed up with Inclusion Mauritius, an NGO regrouping 12 associations working for the welfare of children with intellectual disabilities.  About thirty of these youngsters participated in the 4km race in tandem with CIEL employees. Moreover, about 60 young athletes from Bambous region, sponsored by  CIEL, participated for their first time ever in a trail.

A first for Ethan

The highlight of the day was the participation of  Ethan, 12, in his first trail. The young boy, who suffers from a severe physical disabilit y, completed the 10km race with a large smile on his face. This was made possible thanksto 30 volunteers who rotated all along the track to push / pull the joëlette (wheelchair adapted for pedestrian trails), lent by RodTrail Association from Rodrigues.

Thanks to the volunteers

As previous years, more than 150 volunteers gathered to make the 10 th edition of the CIEL Ferney Trail a real breakthrough for the future.