Special Olympics Seychelles - Seventh National Games: Opening ceremony-There’s a place for everyone in Seychelles sports, says PS Rose |02 October 2006

It was, in fact, the third and final day of Games which were to conclude with the athletics events and the closing ceremony Sunday afternoon. This year’s theme is ‘20 Years of Special Olympics in Seychelles’.

Also present were ministers Sylvette Pool (Minister for the Arts, Culture and Sports), Bernard Shamlaye (Minister for Education), Sarah Rene, the patron and chairperson of the National Council for the Disabled, other guests, parents of the athletes and members of the public.

PS Rose said that the Seychelles government through the Ministry of the Arts, Culture and Sports, encourages everyone to take up a sporting activity, noting that “there’s a place for everyone in Seychelles sports, no matter what your physical ability.”

On behalf of his ministry, Mr Rose asked the athletes to enjoy themselves and thanked the SOS for organising the seventh edition of the Games and noted that a lot of progress has been made over the past 20 years thanks to the valuable help of the devoted volunteers.

“More volunteers are needed to help the special athletes develop their potential so that they can achieve more success in international games,” pointed out Mr Rose, who also thanked all the sponsors and individuals who made the Games a success.

For her part, SOS chairperson Annette Domingue said that the Seventh National Games are not only a time to celebrate, but also to reflect on the accomplishments made over the 20 years.

She encouraged parents to let their children who are disabled to train and compete so that they can participate in international games. Mrs Domingue noted that local special Olympians did Seychelles proud at past editions of the International Special Olympics Games and the Sixth Indian Ocean Islands Games in Mauritius in 2003.

She noted that the results achieved by athletes in the National Games will help determine the final selection for next year’s International Special Olympics Games in Shanghai, China.

Not forgetting those who passed away last year – Antonie Benoit (coach), Doris Valentin, Marial Moses and Marise Antoine (athletes) – there was a minute’s silence in  their honour.

As for athlete Francis Brizilia, who has been with the SOS since its inception in 1986, he noted that his fellow athletes had trained hard for the National Games and were ready to compete.

“Even though you don’t win, your devotion makes you a champion,” he said.
The ceremony started with a march past by the athletes who competed on four teams – Vev, Pi Santez, Kato Nwar and Syer – the volunteers and coaches.

Flag bearer Jean Vardin led the athletes into the stadium and the Olympic torch was carried by Maggie Estico and Andy Labrosse, escorted by special athlete Antoine Asba, who lit the flame and Barbara Course, Miss Personality of this year’s Miss Seychelles Islands beauty contest.

The SOS flag was raised by Ralph Abel, while Praslinois Leonna Joubert presented Minister Pool with a token – a basket of flowers.

On behalf of all the athletes, Jana Valentin and Leonard Morel took the oath: “Nou oule gannyen. Me si nou pa gannyen, o-mwen nou’n eseye”.

Then Shamir PeerMohamed performed the song ‘You raise me up’ as five special athletes held their parents tightly on the tracks.

G. G.