Mauritian Mother Fights to Help Scoliosis Daughter Pursue Taekwondo

A Mauritian mother is making a heartfelt public appeal for help after her daughter — diagnosed with scoliosis — expressed a strong desire to take up taekwondo, a physically demanding martial art that requires significant spinal strength and flexibility. Souraya Fazelkhan shared her family's situation with Le Défi Media, explaining simply: "My daughter wants to do taekwondo. I want to help her." **What is scoliosis?** Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, forming an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from behind. It most commonly develops during the growth spurt just before puberty, though it can affect people of any age. In moderate to severe cases, it can cause pain, restricted movement, and breathing difficulties. While many children with mild scoliosis can participate in sport — and are in fact often encouraged to do so by physiotherapists — more complex cases may require bracing, physiotherapy, or even surgery. The suitability of high-impact or physically intensive sports like taekwondo depends entirely on the severity of the individual's condition and medical advice. **Why this story matters in Mauritius** Access to specialist paediatric orthopaedic care and adaptive sports programmes in Mauritius remains limited, particularly for families outside the private healthcare system. Parents of children with physical conditions frequently face a dual challenge: navigating medical treatment while also trying to preserve their child's quality of life, confidence, and social integration through activities like sport. Taekwondo has a growing presence in Mauritius, with the Mauritius Taekwondo Association affiliated to World Taekwondo. The sport has been promoted at school and community level across the island, including among young people with various physical challenges. **A call for support** Souraya Fazelkhan's appeal appears to be directed at finding either financial assistance, a suitable coach willing to work with her daughter's condition, or medical guidance that could make participation possible safely. While the full details of the family's circumstances were not disclosed in the original report, stories like this shine a light on the broader need for inclusive sport infrastructure in Mauritius — one that accommodates children with health conditions who are determined to compete and thrive. Families in similar situations in Mauritius can contact the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, or reach out to disability and health advocacy organisations such as Caritas Mauritius or the Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS) for guidance on available support. Source: Le Défi Media