The Mauritian delegation set to participate in the 4th Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13, recently attended a crucial briefing session at the Mauritius Olympic Committee (COM) headquarters in Trianon. The meeting, which took place on September 26, covered essential topics such as anti-doping measures, safety in sports, and logistical arrangements for the team's stay in Senegal. This briefing aimed to equip the 10 athletes representing Mauritius with the necessary information and understanding of their responsibilities as part of the delegation.
The briefing was led by Yousouf Bayjoo, the chef de mission of Team Mauritius, and Aarti Desscann, the secretary general of COM. They discussed key aspects of the participation, including organization, accommodation, arrival and departure procedures, and other protocols the athletes and coaches would encounter during the Games. The YOG will be held in three cities: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The session was designed to familiarize the team members with their environment and responsibilities before and during the Games.
Dr. Koomaraisen Kistnareddy from the Sports Medical Unit presented the anti-doping regulations and emphasized the precautions athletes must take before and during competitions. The session highlighted the importance of athletes' individual responsibility in adhering to the rules and making informed decisions about medications and products they use. This information is critical for the young athletes, as they prepare to compete on an international stage.
The importance of safety and well-being in sports was also stressed during the briefing. Sanjaye Goboodun, president of the National Olympic Academy, discussed the principles of protecting athletes and creating a safe and respectful sports environment. The team was reminded of the need for exemplary behavior from all members and the importance of reporting any situations that could compromise the safety or well-being of Team Mauritius members.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will be the first Olympic event held on the African continent. Approximately 4,000 participants, including U17 athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders, are expected to attend. The Mauritian delegation consists of 10 athletes competing in various sports: athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, fencing, judo, archery, and triathlon. The team is led by Yousouf Bayjoo as the chef de mission and Pascal Telvar as his deputy.
The athletes representing Mauritius are Brice Tailly (110m hurdles), Leo Douce (badminton), Elsa How Hong (badminton), Denzel Namaseevayen (boxing), Jean Julian Agathe (boxing), Thomas Harel (cycling), Lucas Aimé (fencing), Hayden Khemnah (judo), Yugveer Bissessur (archery), and Keira Rajabalee (triathlon). They will be supported by a team of officials, including coaches and medical staff.
With the briefing completed, the Mauritian delegation is now better prepared for their participation in the 4th Youth Olympic Games. The team's focus will shift to fine-tuning their skills and performances as they get ready to take on the best young athletes from around the world. The Games will provide a valuable experience for the Mauritian athletes, and they are expected to make a positive impact in their respective sports.
Key points
- The Mauritian delegation attended a briefing session ahead of the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
- The team consists of 10 athletes competing in various sports, led by Yousouf Bayjoo as the chef de mission.
- The Youth Olympic Games will be held from October 31 to November 13, with approximately 4,000 participants expected to attend.
