Vitality of Associations and the Expansion of Sport: Sporting Associations, an Opportunity for Freedom for the Malagasy (1920-1939).

In spite of the discouraging legislative and administrative conditions, especially for the Malagasy population, sporting associations proved to have an intense level of activity. During inter-war years, the number of gymnastic and sporting associations increased significantly. At the end of the 1920s, all medium-sized and large towns had one or, more usually, several clubs. The vitality of associations was even more notable in Antananarivo. Forbidden to meet in groups, assemblies or public meetings, young Malagasy happily found that gym clubs and then sports clubs offered them an opportunity for freedom: a place where they were allowed first to carry out physical preparation and confrontation, and then to express political affirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]