Colbert Nourrice wins IOC trophy |24 December 2014
Local artist Colbert Nourrice is this year’s recipient of the IOC trophy under the theme ‘Sport and Art’.
He received his award from Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) president Antonio Gopal on Monday afternoon at the Golden Plate restaurant during Socga’s end-of-year gathering.
The 50-year-old artist, who says he specialises in paintings, although he also produced poetry and music, stated that he was not expecting to be given this award, but was happy with it nonetheless.
“I have received awards from various competitions in the past but to me this one feels more prestigious as it opens up bigger opportunities for me,” he added.
Mr Nourrice received the award due to his commitment to helping Socga with not only his artistic skills, but also through his expertise to help judge various competitions for the association.
“Art is very important in promoting sports as it helps to spread the messages and ideals of the Olympics among a wider population,” Mr Nourrice said.
Each year the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board selects a theme and each National Olympic Committee (NOC) selects a recipient based on the theme.
The IOC trophy was launched back in 1985, and each year the trophy has a different theme. This trophy is made available to each NOC who is responsible for identifying a recipient for the trophy. It can be given to an individual, organisation, club, institute, business, coaches, etc… who have promoted and educated Olympism in their work.
Past recipients of the IOC trophy
1994: Socga president Antonio Gopal – International Year of Sports and Olympic Ideals
1995: Former Sports Minister Sylvette Pool – Olympic Movement Unity
1996: Brian Orr of the Seychelles Athletics Federation – Centennial Olympic Games
1997: Robert Auguste of the National Sports Council – Sports For All
1998: Sail Training Scheme – Sports Ethics
1999: John Marie – Sports and Education
2000: Former Seychelles Amateur Boxing Federation chairman Simon Lespoir – Sports and Universality
2001: Alain Alcindor of the Seychelles Yachting Association – Sports and Volunteer
2002: Sports doctor Kenneth Sherwin – Sports and Wellbeing
2003: State Assurance Corporation of Seychelles – Sporting Excellence
2004: Sports journalist Gerard Govinden – Sports and Media
2005: Seychelles Football Federation – Sports and Fair Play
2006: James Barreau – Sports and the Community
2007: Ministry of Education – Sport and Promotion of Olympism
2008: Doreen Mirabeau – Sport and Youth
2009: Seychelles National Anti-Doping Commission (SNADC) chairman Jean Larue – Sports and the fight against doping
2010: Boxing coach Jerry Legras – Inspiring young people
2011: Businessman Vijay Patel – Sport and Social Responsibility
2012: Cable & Wireless – Sports and Sustainable Development
2013: National Olympic Academy of Seychelles – 150 years, Pierre de Coubertin, Sport as a school of life’
S. N.