The initiative to develop fitness and recreation centres (FRCs) in every inhabited island in the Maldives will have a positive impact on mental health, the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu has said.
Speaking to PSM News in Naavaidhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll on the sidelines of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing tour of the Atoll, Minister Rafiu insisted that the government remained committed to delivering on the presidential pledge to develop fitness and recreation centres in every island by the end of next year.
"To develop fitness and recreation centres in all the islands of the country within two years is a promise made by the President in his presidential address earlier this year. So 2025 and 2026 when a fitness and recreation centre will be established in every island. Hopefully, the centre in this island [Naavaidhoo] will help the people to stay physically and mentally healthy,” he explained.
The fitness centre in Naavaidhoo will also host a variety of indoor sports, according to the Minister, including board games, table tennis, billiard and garlando.
In addition, the centres are designed to include an aerobics studio for both men and women, along with an indoor gym for fitness enthusiasts, he said.
The Minister said a special classroom would be set up at the fitness centre to conduct theory classes of sports related courses conducted by the Ministry along with a meeting room and an additional office complex.
"This island also has a very sports loving community. Sports like volleyball, football and futsal are very popular. So the centre will include a classroom to host theory and practical classes in the courses that the Ministry conducts from time to time,” he said.
Minister Rafiu also expects the centres to become the nucleus of enhanced social interactions, community engagement and unity among island communities.
The FRC initiative is designed to expand access to fitness infrastructure and promote public health across the country, aligning with national goals for preventative care and community wellbeing.
In line with this vision, the government has so far awarded contracts to government-owned and private companies to develop 87 FRCs across the Maldives
Of these, three FRCs have already been completed with 28 projects currently underway.
In addition, the contract phase for the establishment of 43 FRCs is underway and another 21 FRCs will be awarded this year and the next, the government had said.