All set for the big swim by German extreme swimmer André Wiersig |14 April 2022
André Wiersig is flanked by Mrs Willemin and Mr Larue (Photo credit: Vanessa Lucas – Department of tourism)
All is set for the big swim by the German extreme swimmer André Wiersig who is planning to make history by becoming the first person to swim individually across the ocean between Mahé and La Digue.
The event called the Open Ocean Project (OOP) and which will take place on Tuesday April 19 seeks to enhance the visibility of Seychelles as an ideal destination, promote its pristine environment, its strong stand on sustainability, as well as its beautiful versatile features to host sporting events and finally showcase its rich cultural heritage.
The organising team met with the press yesterday at the tourism department, Botanical House, to give an update on the upcoming event and everything seems to be in order for the big swim. Technically the team is ready and already has a plan to follow.
“I am excited and we are just waiting for the next reliable weather forecast information for the swimand it seems we are really stable when it comes to the weather conditions. We also checked with the coast guard about the most difficult part of the journey. I can’t wait as it will be a thrilling swim. We also have to expect the unexpected as I will not be swimming in a pool. We are all preparing for the last swim and whatever happens on that day we expect will all be good,” shared André Wiersig.
Oliver Bastienne, chairperson of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI),said this event is a perfect example of a publicprivate partnership. “It’s been a year and a half since we started working on this project and we worked as a national team to push for this historic event‒ tourism, National Sports Council, Enterprise Seychelles Agency(Esa) and the private sector. We hear the government talking about diversification of the economy, here we are looking at the diversification of our tourism industry. All in all, I feel this is a wonderful and historic event,” said Mr Bastienne.
Jean Larue, chief executive of National Sports Council, talked about the unifying factor sports play. “I am very happy the NSC is doing this not only for sports but for the youth of Seychelles. We are talking about inspiring to aspire and I know lots of young children will look up to Andre to make sure we protect the environment.”
The chief executive of and founder of TourBookers who also lead in the Tourism 3.0 Concept, Mariana Atherton shared that they have invested more than 500 hours into the project. “This is a historical moment for us and here it is the time where the impossible is becoming possible. Next week we will have history in the making in Seychelles.”
Bernadette Willemin of the tourism department added that “our ocean is the biggest asset of the country and with this historic event we will bring forward what Seychelles is engaged in ‒ sustainability. We will also be able to tell the world how committed we are to the environment, conservation, to protection especially of our ocean. As of now we will also introduce sports in the promotion of our country.”
Seychelles NATION wishes André Wiersig the best for creating such an historic event.
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