SPORTS AND RECREATION
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.

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.

   Did you know?
International paragliding competitions have been held in Mauritius. The first international paragliding event took place in November 1993, and 47 of the world's best paragliders took part.
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.

   Did you know?
Mauritius once had a railway system that connected the island's towns. Today, the railway right-of-way has been turned into a path for hikers.