Saint Hilaire, Mauritius – Wilson Kipketer can certainly run. But few would imagine him dribbling and making inch-perfect passes on a football pitch. And that’s exactly what he did here in Saint Hilaire on Saturday 13 December.

Located in the South East of Mauritius, this little village hosts the first MCB Football Academy, a facility set up by the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) to welcome the region’s unprivileged children. This innovative project blends sports and community development: the children attend football training every Saturday while qualified staff follow up on their education and coach their parents. Psychologists are also at hand to help families in need of specific assistance. 

Visiting the MCB Football Academy along with local hero and fellow athlete Stephan Buckland, Wilson Kipketer delivered an unforgettable pep talk to around 100 boys and girls aged between 7 and 11.

“You don’t need great clothes or shoes to succeed in life. You need to play with your heart and use your brains. You need to have the will to keep going further. Enjoy what you’re doing and make sure you go to school” said Kipketer, who is an IAAF Ambassador.

The retired holder of the World record holder for 800m indoors and out, and Buckland then jogged onto the football pitch and played in a series of matches with the children under the scorching sun.

After two hours of football, a sweaty Kipketer said: “I haven’t been playing football for 20 years but it was fun to kick a ball with these children and share their happiness. They take their sport seriously and it’s a very good sign. Such projects are fantastic because they make the kids have belief in themselves.”

Buckland added: “Everyone says Mauritius is small but it’s the first time I have come here. I had a fabulous time and I’ll certainly be back again because I want to see these children’s smiles again!”

If a child’s smile is priceless, then how much are 100 smiles worth? Never mind, Wilson Kipeketer has worked his magic again!
 
Reynolds Quirin for the IAAF