A qualitative exploration of sport policy implementation in Mauritius and its implications for human rights

Abstract

The Republic of Mauritius launched the National Sport and Physical Activity (NSPA) Policy in 2018, which aims to address four core areas: economy, health and well-being, individual development, and culture and identity. In the context of this new policy, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with sport practitioners (PE teachers, coaches and policymakers) to learn more about their perspectives on progress, opportunities and barriers for vulnerable groups in Mauritius to access sport-related services. Based on interpretative phenomenological analysis, the interviews yielded seven themes: the meaning of sport, sport policy, sociocultural factors in Mauritius influencing participation, ongoing actions, barriers to participation, opportunities for improvement, and professional development. The enactment of the policy by the sport sector and allied stakeholders is still at an early stage. A collective vision has been established, yet resources to operationalise this are required, such as a monitoring and evaluation framework, training of professionals and coherent allocation of resources to sport organisations. The results highlight the need to ensure that social change to promote participation in sport for all requires that macro, meso and micro actions operate in tandem, are resourced, and are linked through specific goals, the realisation of which is monitored and evaluated. The human rights implications of the results are discussed and policy recommendations proffered.