Pierre André Boullé, ACS Manager : “Sometimes what a talent lacks is not desire, but the right support at the right time”
How did the idea of the Sports Excellence Scholarships come about?
The topic was first discussed during an ACS Management Committee meeting. Leadership raised a simple yet powerful question: is there, within Eclosia, a future champion who could follow in the footsteps of Noémie Alphonse, Kim Le Court, Stéphane Buckland or Bruno Julie? And if so, how can we give them the means to succeed?
This question led to the creation of the Eclosia Sports Excellence Scholarship: identifying these talents among our employees’ children and providing them with a structured, concrete and ambitious framework to help them go further.
If you had to explain this scholarship in a few words to an employee, what would you say?
I would gladly quote Cédric de Spéville: “It is a way of recognising the commitment of parents who organise themselves, encourage and support their children every day. The goal is to support talent when it is expressed with discipline and a genuine desire to go further.”
I would add that it is an exceptional opportunity for any serious and ambitious young athlete to achieve their dream, with support that can truly make a difference.
Why was it important for Eclosia to launch such an initiative today?
Eclosia has always supported and promoted the values of sport. This scholarship programme therefore naturally aligns with our commitment and our vision: “Make it bloom”
Today, we know that talent alone is not enough to reach sporting excellence. It also requires resources, guidance, consistency and significant sacrifices. It was therefore essential to introduce a concrete initiative to support these young athletes and their families at a moment when it can truly make a difference.
Beyond financial support, what do you aim to bring to these young athletes?
Beyond financial support, we want to provide them with a framework, values and real backing. We want them to feel that they are not alone - that behind them stands an entire community that believes in them, more than 5,000 people ready to support them.
This scholarship is also about opening up possibilities: building their confidence, validating their ambitions and supporting them in an environment that promotes discipline, commitment and self-improvement.
Who is this scholarship for? Are all sports included?
We aim to be as inclusive as possible: all sports are eligible.
However, the selection criteria are strict. The scholarship is open to children (or legal dependents) of Eclosia Group employees, who are affiliated with a recognised federation, present a structured project and demonstrate a significant level of performance.
The goal is not only to support talent, but a credible, serious pathway towards high-level performance.
What distinguishes a good athlete from an eligible candidate?
Beyond talent or occasional good results, an eligible candidate must demonstrate a genuine project.
This includes measurable results, a coherent pathway, solid coaching, clear ambition and the ability to progress over time.
In other words, this scholarship does not simply recognise a good athlete - it supports a young person already engaged in a credible journey towards high performance.
How will the selection process work?
The process has been designed to be structured, rigorous and fair.
Candidates will need to submit a complete application, including administrative, sporting and financial elements. Applications will then be reviewed by a committee based on specific criteria: sporting level, international potential, project coherence and track record (“clean record”).
The aim is to ensure a transparent, serious and equitable selection process.
What do you expect from families and young athletes once the scholarship is awarded?
We expect commitment, discipline and responsibility.
The funds must be used in line with the proposed project. The young athlete must remain fully invested in their journey, with active support from their family.
We also expect exemplary behaviour: being a true ambassador of sport, aligned with the programme’s values - discipline, performance, ethics, fair play and respect.
How can this scholarship truly change a young athlete’s journey?
Concretely, it can help fund training, travel, equipment, medical care and access to key competitions.
But beyond the financial aspect, it allows young athletes to project themselves further, believe more strongly in their potential and reach a level they might not have achieved alone.
Sometimes, what talent lacks is not desire, but the right support at the right time.
For you, what would define the success of this initiative?
Success would first mean seeing these young athletes progress, thrive and go further in their discipline.
It would also mean families feeling recognised for their efforts, and employees being proud to belong to a group that actively supports their children.
And of course, if one day one of these young athletes becomes an international reference and raises the Mauritian flag high, it would be an immense source of pride.