12 former female athletes from inner islands recognised for remarkable contributions |14 April 2022

Souvenir photo of the past athletes with PS Jean-Louis and NSC chief executive Larue

Twelve former female athletes from the inner islands have been recognised for their remarkable contributions towards sports development in Seychelles and for being an inspiration to the younger generation of Seychellois sportswomen.

This was during a small ceremony held at the Vijay swimming pool complex on Praslin last Friday. The event, which is part of activities to celebrate World Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, was attended by the principal secretary for Youth and Sports Ralph Jean-Louis, member of the National Assembly Doyace Poris and the chief executive (CEO) of the National Sports Council (NSC) Jean Larue.

The initiative of the sports department within the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family in collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC), was met with much appreciation from the 12 athletes, although not all of them could be present for the ceremony. They were chosen based on their performances and contributions in various sporting fields. They each received a commemorative plaque from PS Jean-Louis.

The recipients are Vigonia Ah-Kong (athletics), Vanita Rose (volleyball), Sodia Lesperance (athletics), Natacha Bibi (athletics), Mary Payet (volleyball) Elsie Ernesta (football) from La Digue, and from Praslin Niouseline Finesse (judo), Brigitte Cesar (judo and volleyball), Ketsine Alcindor (athletics), Helene Rose (volleyball), Beguita Crispin (volleyball) and Finette Didon (athletics). Didon is originally from Mahe, but has been living on Praslin for several years now.

Addressing the recipients, NSC CEO Larue praised them for their inspirational contributions to sports development and encouraged them to keep supporting younger women in sports.

For his part, PS Jean-Louis also thanked the ladies for their contributions. “Although small, this ceremony today is very significant as we are celebrating the power of women in sports. You all bring so much pride to us as fellow Seychellois. The good results you have produced both locally and internationally surely bring much hope and inspiration to other youth in sports, especially young women,” said PS Jean-Louis.

Mr Jean Louis also conveyed Youth, Sports and Family Minister Marie Celine Zialor’s message of congratulations to the past athletes for their achievements.

“A strong advocate for women and women empowerment, Minister Zialor counts on your support for the grooming of younger women athletes for better results in the future,” added PS Jean-Louis.

Article and photos: Nadia Bedier