Athletics-Anse Royale heroes rewarded |05 July 2016

The heroes of Anse Royale primary and secondary schools from the 40th annual Inter-School Athletics Championships that took place last month have been rewarded for their extraordinary efforts that won them numerous trophies on the day.

The prize-giving ceremony was held at the UniCafe, on the University of Seychelles (UniSey) campus at Anse Royale, where the athletes, teachers and parents were in the presence of Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton, as well as secretary of state Barry Faure, Anse Royale district administrator Jim-Roy Jeannevol and representatives of sponsors.

The ceremony was set off by the minister who praised the athletes for their dedication and success, while also heaping praise on the coaches of both schools.

“We need to give a huge round of applause for the two teachers, Jeris Rachel and Julien Onezime, who have worked with the athletes as they are the persons behind the success along with your own determination and will to win,” said the minister to the athletes.

He added: “This accomplishment is not only for the school, but the values that you are able to gain through sports should be taken to the classrooms, in the streets, at home and everywhere in the community.”

Anse Royale primary won four cups – President’s Cup for both athletes and spectators, boys’ under-10 and girls’ under-10 categories – during the championship on June 18 and finished second overall in the primary schools category behind La Digue.

The secondary school team finished as the overall winners, claiming a seven titles – President’s Cup for both spectators and athletes, most gold medals, health promotion award, girls and boys under-16 and girls under-18).

Minister Meriton congratulated all the athletes for their good performances and urged them to keep practicing sports as it helps to unify the world as well as gives each individual the tools to find direction in their lives.

In his speech, district administrator Jeannevol claimed that both schools are aiming to be the best in sports, education and discipline and commended all the teachers for their hard work and dedication in their jobs as well as the parents for their support and guidance.

Anse Royale secondary school head teacher Cecile Marcel also praised the athletes from both schools and challenged the other schools in the country to work hard and follow their example.

“I sometimes hear people say that Anse Royale school always wins because they have an athletics club. Well, today I am urging all schools across the country to do the same and form their own clubs so that they too can produce the best athletes not only for their school but also for the country,” said Ms Marcel.

The ceremony continued with various presentations and first was a certificate presentation to all athletes who represented the two schools at the championship.

Outstanding performers from the primary school were also rewarded for the efforts and they were Anil Arisol, who was a record breaker in the boys’ under-8 mini-hurdles, Meshack Farabeau, Alckijha Rigodon and Tira Jean.

For the secondary school, the outstanding performers who were rewarded with shields were Tessy Bristol, Sheryl Confiance, Maura Raoul, Anisha Rabat, Angelic Boniface, Jinny Dorby, Julie Abdelhaq-Salim, Johannus Lucas, Dora Samson, Meryle Rabat, Jersen Laurette, Jean-Pierre Barallon, Mervyn Monthy, Naomie Barra and Hannah Libanotis.

Other awards presented were for the athletes who won most gold medals and they were Meryle Rabat and Tessy Bristol, who collected three gold medals apiece.

The six members of the girls’ under-16 4x100m relay team — Anisha Rabat, Tessy Bristol, Maura Raoul, Jinny Dorby, Julie Abdelhaq-Salim and Angelic Boniface — were also rewarded for their record-breaking performance.

As the minister said in his speech, both schools have their coaches to thank for their successes and here Sir Julien Onezime (primary) and Jeris Rachel (secondary) were also rewarded with vouchers sponsored by the Le Relax Restaurant.

The biggest award of the day was the best overall athlete and here it was no surprise as Tessy Bristol clinched the award for the girls, while Mervyn Monthy was the winner for the boys.

The day ended with snacks, refreshments and music for the athletes to dance to.