44th National Inter-Schools Athletics Championships |20 June 2022
Minister Valentin delivering his speech (Photo: Joena Meme)
Intensifying efforts to further promote and develop physical education and sports
The Ministry of Education's new strategic plan 2021-2024 places a lot of emphasis on the holistic development of all students within the system, and in this context, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities in educational institutions in which sports feature prominently will continue to enhance the development of all students.
Minister for Education, Dr Justin Valentin, made the statement while launching the 44th National Inter-Schools Athletics Championships held on Saturday at Stad Linite, in the presence of Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor, ex-Vice-President Vincent Meriton, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Sebastien Pillay, principal secretaries, members of the National Assembly, alongside other government officials.
The event returned following a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, gathering young athletes from 46 primary and secondary states and public schools and professional centres around the country who competed in 97 track and field events.
Minister Valentin noted that the Ministry of Education is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family and other partners – local and overseas – to intensify efforts to further promote and develop physical education and sports, and support the youth to achieve their full potential.
He said the National Inter-Schools Athletics Championships provide students from all educational institutions the opportunity to continue showcasing their talents and achievements in track and field events, and that all finalists have deservedly earned their places through devotion, determination and hard work in the training organised by their physical education teachers and coaches.
Minister Valentin, however, noted that we should remain cognizant of the fact that this popular sporting event is not solely for students to demonstrate their physical talent but also one where they can manifest their acquisition and application of living values and virtues.
He urged all parents and community-based organisations to maintain their support to the educational institutions and help create more opportunities for our youth to participate in sports and recreational activities.
This, he said, will contribute in building their resilience, promoting their well-being and instilling a culture of sports in our society.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Minister Valentin expressed his deep gratitude to all those who have helped the young athletes to make it this far, including their parents, heads of institutions, physical education teachers, team managers and all the loyal partners and sponsors.
He also thanked the organising committee, the Physical Education and Extra-Curricular Activities section and all partners especially the Seychelles Athletics Federation for the successful hosting of the championships.
Roland Duval