CIEL Group
10th edition of the CIEL Ferney Trail: a strong stand for social inclusion and environmental protection in Mauritius
It was more than a race. On the 9th of September, over 3500 participants gathered in the early hours of the morning for the 10th 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 heart of this event, with tagline which was rightly put: “Bouze Moris !”.
Sensitisation through sports
In the wake of the 50th anniversary of Independence of Mauritius, 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 Mauritius. Sport has indeed become a powerful tool for sensitising about these two issues. And what is better than trail to call for action to preserve nature and surrounding ecosystems.
Partnerships and innovations
Some 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 4 km 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
However, the highlight of the day was the participation of Ethan, 12, in its first trail. The young boy, who suffers from a severe physical disability, completed the 10 km race with a large smile on his face. This was made possible thanks to 30 volunteers who rotated all along the track to push/pull the 'joëlette' (wheelchair adapted for pedestrian trails), lent by the RodTrail Association from Rodrigues.
Thanks to the volunteers and partners
As previous years, more than 150 volunteers gathered to make the 10th edition of the CIEL Ferney Trail a real breakthrough for the future.
A big thanks to all the volunteers and also to our Race Sponsors : Mauritius Union, Bank One, Nando's and Sun Resorts. A special thanks to Fortis Clinique Darné for their dedicated teams and involvement over the years and to Tropic Knits Group for their collaboration and support.
