Africa-Press – Seychelles. A warm welcome was given to the first Seychellois delegation on their return from the 11th Indian Ocean Island Games. The delegation that returned to Seychelles this morning around quarter past midnight at Seychelles International Airport included First Lady Linda Ramkalawan and Minister of Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Céline Zialor. It was the Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari who welcomed the delegation at the airport.
The presence of the athletes’ families added a special touch to this event. Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari expressed his enthusiasm for the sports performance of the Seychellois and their commitment to the Games.
“As a non-athlete, I followed the 11th Indian Ocean Island Games with great interest and stayed glued to my screen. I am very emotional right now seeing our young athletes accompanied by veterans. The volleyball game was really exciting. As the president is absent from the country, I represent him for this important moment and to welcome the participants with the coaches”.
The designated minister is satisfied with the organization that supervised our participants from Seychelles at these last Games. “We are preparing a meeting with all the participants this Saturday with the president. We are never satisfied with the number of medals we have won. For a small country like Seychelles we have done well, per capita we have more medals than the other islands (followed by a burst of laughter)”.There were many reflections among the population saying that Seychelles was not ready for these Games, how are we going to prepare for the twelfth edition of the Games in Comoros?
The Minister-designate pointed out that unfortunately our infrastructures have been neglected and efforts to restore them are underway. “The issue of preparation for the next edition of the Games in Comoros is relevant, and it is important to recognize that efforts must be made to improve sports infrastructure in Seychelles. There is also the importance of hard work and athlete discipline to stay competitive. Athletes must be aware that the efforts must come from them too and they must work very hard to win medals. Athletes from other countries work very hard and we have to follow suit with a lot of discipline”.
If the Comoros ever forfeit the organization of these Games, would the Seychelles be ready for the organization? The minister clarified that there was this conversation locally, but if so it is the Maldives that is online. “If the region asks us to do it and if we receive support from all sides, we will accept this challenge”.We were able to meet some of our medalists in the excitement at the airport. Our boxing gold medalist Keddy Agnes thanked all Seychellois for the support on her behalf. “I am very happy and thank my fans. Thank you for everything. Once back home, I would pack my suitcase and fly to the Dakar for the Olympic qualifications”.
Our most decorated athlete, Simon Bachmann is also filled with joy and thanks the people of Seychelles for their support during these last Games. “I’m happy, the atmosphere is really incredible and thank you Seychelles for all the support. Now I will focus on the World Swimming Championships in February and then the Olympics”.
Frederick Gappy, an athlete who participated in the para-swimming events came back with a silver medal and he is overjoyed. “I did my best and I was very close to the gold medal and also improved my personal best. Next time I will work even harder to reach gold.
The welcome of the athletes by the Principal Secretary, Ralph Jean-Louis, and other government officials, as well as the crowd of supporters present, testify to the strong support and pride of the nation for his team.
Congratulations to Team Seychelles for its performance at the Indian Ocean Island Games!
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