Academy of Sport (aos): the mixed multisport Olympic academy of Mauritius

In Mauritius, a mixed group of up to 30 athletes, pre-selected in Olympic disciplines by their federations and clubs for their sport performance, join the Academy of Sport (AOS) for a three to four-year preparatory program for the Baccalaureate degree.

The AOS responds to the needs of young people by offering them an inclusive course, geared to high-level sport and the need for an international academic career, in a unique multisport “Olympic” academy. 

The AOS thereby aims to democratize access to studies and high-level sport, include and promote all athletes irrespective of gender or origin, professionalize sport sectors and the related occupations in Mauritius, and offer personalized support to disadvantaged children.

AFD’s support comprises two components:  

• Financing for the construction of 14 accommodation places for athletes and common living areas, available to the young girl and boy athletes from the inclusion program, respecting their privacy and geared to their well-being and specific needs. The Life Base facility also has a system designed to receive girls in complete safety
• Financing for the program to support educational and sports academies promoting inclusion and gender equality and based on viable socioeconomic models  

The sports excellence section has had three classes since September 2023, with the 2008 generation having joined the system at the beginning of the current school year. An additional “Junior Sports Course” is in preparation to offer a reduced curriculum geared to young athletes aged between 10 and 14. Its roll-out started in 2023 in two Mauritian schools. 

The planned limit of 90 athletes has been reached with the arrival in January 2024 of students from the 4-year preparatory program for the Baccalaureate exams (+/- 10%).

The Life Base was opened in November 2023 to enable athletes in need from Rodrigues and Mauritius to join the training as of 2024. The AOS wishes to give the most talented athletes in their disciplines the means to qualify for the Olympic trials of 2024 and 2028.

The Academy started its third academic year in September 2023. It has 90 athletes aged between 15 and 18 from more than 20 different Olympic disciplines, from surfing to rugby and including judo and swimming.

The project ultimately aims to:

Have an impact on sports training in the country 

• Professionalization of the sport sector and related sectors
• Achieve athletic performance of a world and regional class
• Change mentalities so that grassroots sport and high-level sport can coexist

Democratize access to study conditions dedicated to talented athletes

• Creation of sports scholarships
• Creation of a common living space
• Creation of a talent identification program at secondary level

Include all athletes based solely on criteria of sport performance and motivation

• Social inclusion
• Parity and respect for gender
• Comprehensive support with individual assistance