Soccer is the most popular sport in Mauritius.
The country does not sponsor a professional team, but there are many
amateur teams. Games at the George V stadium in Curepipe attract
thousands of fans. Most towns and villages have a soccer club, and
children play soccer whenever they can. Several towns also have
basketball and volleyball clubs. Horse racing is another popular spectator sport. The Mauritian Turf Club was founded in 1812. It is the oldest turf club in the southern hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. Races are held from May to November at the Champ de Mars, a former military training ground in Port Louis. The biggest race is held in August, and thousands of Mauritians come to watch and place bets on their favourites. |
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Wealthy Mauritians enjoy hunting at the Domaine du
Chasseur near Mahebourg. The Javanese deer that were introduced by the
Dutch have proliferated and need to be culled from time to time. Hunters
stand on raised observation posts called miradors to shoot their
prey. Many of the island's sports facilities have been created for tourists and visitors. Tennis courts and golf courses have been built near hotels, and resorts offer surfing, windsurfing, yacht cruises and deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish and tuna. Scuba diving, snorkelling and undersea walking allow visitors to enjoy the beauties of the coral reefs surrounding the island. Mauritius also offers opportunities for hiking and trekking in the mountains. |
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Children in Mauritius enjoy playing with marbles
and with toupies (spinning tops). Marelle (hopscotch) and
goli danda (a game played with sticks) are also popular.
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