Hockey   Hockey federation receives equipment from the Children’s Special Fund |21 March 2023

SHF chairman Georges Sicobo accepting the equipment from board chairman of the CSF Patricia Padayacy, in the presence of PS William-Melanie and secretary general Lagrenade

Thee local hockey governing body has received a donation of equipment from the Children’s Special Fund which is seen as a boost in its attempt to develop the sport at grassroots level, thus promoting it towards being reinstated among the top sporting disciplines, as was the case in the past.

The batch, including hockey sticks, shin guards, along with other protective gears, was handed over to the chairman of the Seychelles Hockey Federation (SHF), Georges Sicobo, by board chairman of the Children’s Special Fund (CSF), Patricia Padayachy during a small presentation on Saturday at the Sports Training Centre at Stad Popiler, in the presence of principal secretary for Social Affairs, Linda William-Melanie, secretary general of the SHF, Jeffery Lagrenade, along with some of the young players and coaches.

Accepting the gift, Mr Sicobo noted that the equipment will be crucial in promoting and developing hockey locally, while being used appropriately.

He thanked the CSF for its gesture which he said, hopefully, is just the beginning of a long and solid partnership.

Mr Sicobo also urged other groups, or individual who have the means to come forward and help the SHF, especially in building their playing field at Perseverance 2.

He explained that they have already been allocated a plot of land for the playing, but they however need help in clearing, and preparing the land for the field.

He added that since the plot is next to the school, once completed, the playing field will also help by accommodating the students for Physical Education classes, as well as other outdoor activities.

Mr Sicobo is inviting companies or individuals with heavy machineries onboard to help them with the groundwork.

On behalf of the CSF, Mrs Padayachy said they welcome initiatives from organisations to bring activities within the communities, especially towards the youth, who she said are very talented.

This, she said, is part of their mandate under Individual programmes and projects that will enhance social and personal development and general wellbeing of children in the home and community.

The CSF is a fund created under the Public Finance Act (PFMA) which receives funds from the consolidated fund and private donors. The objective of the CSF is to assist children who require additional support to improve their health and general well-being. The CSF is also to support programmes and projects that promote the well-being of children in Seychelles.

It is administered by a board, composed of six members appointed by the Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade. The appointment of the new members took effect as of September 14, 2021 for a period of three years.

The Fund was set up to support request for assistance by individual(s), non-governmental organisations, associations and public institutions with the aim of supporting as many children, based on the principles of fairness and equity.

The main category of requests to be assisted by the Fund are individual genuine needs, individual programmes and projects that will enhance social and personal development and general wellbeing of children in the home and community, school-related, community-based and NGO projects, and national programmes or projects.

Roland Duval