Weightlifting: Top lifters honoured |30 December 2013

Top Seychellois weightlifters were honoured on Friday night in a ceremony held at the Freedom Square gym with Rick Confiance and Clementina Agricole named as the best male and female lifters respectively for the year 2013.

Seychelles Weightlifting Association (SWA) chairman Robert Rose launched the ceremony with a speech saying: “It has been an interesting year where our lifters have produced good results despite not having had much preparation.”

He had special praise for the coaches and sponsors who have helped them all year long.

Before the biggest prize of the night was awarded, all weightlifters who took part in international competitions were rewarded with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts.

Tokens of appreciation were also awarded to Frank Accouche for his many years involved with the sport, Janet Georges was rewarded for her great performances over the years, while coach William Dixie was rewarded for his efforts behind the scenes in preparing our athletes before their good performances.

Another person who was rewarded on the night was SWA secretary general Barbara Hoareau for her tireless effort in running the events organised by the SWA throughout the year.
The young male lifter award went to Derreck Comme.
 
“I am very happy. I will be aiming to do better next year and hopefully put in some good performances,” said the 17-year-old.
 
Romentha Larue was awarded the prize for best young female lifter. The 15-year-old said: “I expect to do better next year, although I need to get more speed as I prepare for the Youth Olympic Games in 2014.”

Romentha has already qualified for the Youth Olympics which will be held in Nanjing, China from August 16-28.

For the seniors, Clementina Agricole was named the best female lifter ahead of Ruby Malvina. Clementina said: “To win this award represents a lot to me. The last time I won the title was four years ago. This year I have performed very well and deserve this title.”

The male weightlifter of the year title was awarded to 19-year-old Rick Confiance, with Ian Rose finishing in second place.

“2013 has been a great year as I was not expecting this performance and I have to thank a lot of people. I am very happy,” Confiance said.

S. N.