Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, has announced that the government is intensifying efforts to establish Fitness and Recreation Centres (FRCs) across the country, describing the initiative as one that will deliver benefits extending far beyond physical health. He noted that the expanding network of centres is designed not only to advance fitness goals but also to foster psychological well-being and strengthen social cohesion.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Rafiu outlined a vision in which these facilities function as community hubs, reinforcing interpersonal relationships and cultivating stronger social ties. He stressed that the advantages of the centres are not confined to physical conditioning, but also encompass significant psychological gains, enabling individuals to connect more closely with one another.
That vision, Minister Rafiu noted, carries particular weight for the nation’s athletes. He observed that competitors often neglect their conditioning after national and international tournaments, requiring considerable effort to regain peak fitness before subsequent events. The establishment of FRCs, he argued, will provide an environment that allows athletes to sustain their conditioning more consistently and with greater ease.
Minister Rafiu also pointed to the wider implications for mental health. In periods of heightened anxiety and stress, driven by the pressures of daily life, he said the facilities will offer individuals a means of distancing themselves from such burdens and achieving a sense of calm.
Beyond individual well-being, the government views the centres as instruments of social engineering, intended to build a more unified society. Minister Rafiu remarked that the facilities act as catalysts for improving relationships, encouraging collaboration and collective effort in the pursuit of a robust and cohesive community.
This emphasis on wellness comes amid growing official concern over public health trends. Minister Rafiu acknowledged that the rise in communicable diseases remains a pressing issue, but argued that the centres will provide substantial support in preventative measures against illnesses linked to lifestyle choices. He added that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision places sports at the forefront of safeguarding the population from such health crises.
Under the current administration’s sports policy, the development of these facilities is advancing rapidly. The government is executing a high-speed initiative to establish an outdoor gym and a fitness and recreation centre on every inhabited island, ensuring universal access to these holistic health resources.