?I had many stays in Mauritius in the past before eventually experiencing what I call ?the real life? since 2004. On days when I miss my family and friends in England, I drive through Pereybere and Grand-Baie. I look at the beautiful blue sea, the beach, the bustling tourists and I can honestly say I am still enchanted by the island. In fact, Mauritius to me has developed so much not just to accommodate the tourists but also for the people living here. International schools, tennis centers, youth centers, organized national and international sport events all contribute to a normal way of life for the up and coming youth regardless of family background and create jobs for those interested in the development of sport, some people even giving their time voluntarily.

I previously worked as a tennis instructor (having got my qualifications in England) at Tennis Nord. I must say that I have been thoroughly surprised at the level of good tennis here although seen as select sport but nevertheless proven to be very popular and attracting people of all age groups. It has become very obvious to me that some parents do not see their children taking up sport as a teaching profession even though they are excellent at it. UNISA (University of South Africa) offers a Sports Science degree by distance learning, but it is not considered to be academic enough. Many students are pushed towards taking a degree in a subject, which in some cases is never put to use.

I sincerely believe parents should listen more to their children and try to find the potential and talents innate within them, rather than just trying to fulfil their own dreams. For example, it would be quite a pity if a parent would push his child to become a doctor whilst the latter has a brilliant potential to become either a great sportsman or a simply great future in another field.

More importantly, there would be no point to make a child do a degree in a field that he does not have any interest in. One of the main reasons I am saying this is because I have been particularly impressed with the potential of young Mauritians in various non-academic fields. So it is really about finding out how much and in what the child is gifted.?