Commonwealth Games in Birmingham |30 July 2022

Minister Zialor, PS Jean-Louis and CEO Larue in a souvenir photo with members of Team Seychelles

 Sports minister visits Seychellois athletes at Games Village, attends opening ceremony

Youth, Sports and Family Minister Marie Celine Zialor visited the Commonwealth Games village in Birmingham on Thursday and met with Seychellois athletes competing in the Games being held in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8.

Minister Zialor met with only half of the delegation as other sporting events had training or technical meetings they had to attend.

The minister took the opportunity to remind the athletes that Seychelles is proud of them because they qualified for the games.

She added that the whole nation is behind them and shared a special message from Bishop French Chang Him who said he was praying for the team and sending them blessings.

“Do not let yourselves be distracted with challenges that you may be facing right now with the village, training or the weather but focus on why you are here and the sacrifices you have made to be here. Let this be your motivation and win the medal,” said Minister Zialor.

Minister Zialor also thanked the athletes for their hard work and dedication to sports.

She took time to also thank the coaches, officials and support staff who are in Birmingham to support the athletes to ensure their smooth participation in the games.

After the courtesy call, the minister toured the Games village.

“Seychelles might be one of the smallest countries in the Commonwealth, but we remain firm in our belief and commitment to excel in sports. Let the Commonwealth Games be the platform for our athletes, not only to test international competition but also to measure where they stand among the best in the world in their respective sporting events,” added the minister.

In the evening, Minister Zialor attended the official launch of the games at the Alexander Stadium, an event she described as “spectacular, captivating and memorable. A lot of resources went into the launch, the city of Birmingham and the other organisers have done the Commonwealth proud”.

Some 5,000 athletes representing 72 nations and territories are expected to compete in 280 medal events in the coming days.

Minister Zialor who is heading a delegation comprising the principal secretary for Youth and Sports Ralph Jean-Louis and the chief executive of the National Sports Council Jean Larue, earlier this week attended the 10th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) held on Wednesday at the International Convention Centre ahead of the opening of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Press release from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family