Best resilient athletes for 2021-2022 honoured |14 April 2023

Souvenir photo of the best resilient athletes in the company of President Ramkalawan, VP Afif and Minister Zialor (Photo: Roland Duval)

Following the stalemate in local sports due to health restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic late in 2019 and the whole of 2020, many local athletes from various sporting disciplines bounced back in 2021 and came out stronger to perform above expectations in 2022, showing resilience, thus achieving outstanding results, both nationally and at international level.

As a sign of appreciation for their dedication and commitment during the post-Covid era following the re-introduction of sports, the National Sports Council (NSC) has honoured some of the athletes, not necessarily for being the best in their disciplines, but rather for their resilience and perseverance throughout.

The athletes received their trophies and certificates during a special ceremony held yesterday at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay, attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan and Vice-President Ahmed Afif.

Also present were Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor, principal secretary for youth and sports Ralph Jean-Louis, his counterparts from the family department Clive Roucou, and Kevin Perine from local government and community affairs, as well as the chief executive of the NSC Marc Arissol.

A total of 46 athletes from 25 sports disciplines were honoured.

They are: Ned Azemia, Natasha Chetty (athletics), Jakim Renaud, Alisen Camille (badminton), Timmy  Adam, Guyra Boniface (basketball), Rodney Henriette (bodybuilding), Ariana Memée, Keddy Agnes (boxing), Eldrick Dialoo (canoeing), Ragul Pillay, Emmy Marie (chess), Thimeera Madusanka, Manisha Kanbi (cricket), Ricky Rosalie (cycling), Assad Aboudou, Kimberly Chang-Tak-Hue (football), Gibran Rizvi, Winsel Pothin (golf), Nichol Esparon, Monia Delpech (darts), Elisha Dick, Deelan Tambara (hockey), Dominic Dugasse, Murella Crea (judo), Nashyra Boniface, David Robert (karate), Jhohan Cadeau, Maya Moulinie (karting), Christi Camille (netball), Auguste Louise, Sheila Chang-Time (petanque), Alyssia Albert, Fred Hypolite (rugby), Khema Elizabeth, Joshua Miller (swimming), Marcus Adela, Trisha Quatre (squash), Terron Dang-Kow, Andriella Payet (table tennis), Ashaelle Bastienne, Mikael Gomme (tennis), Joelita Coloma, Liam Robert (weightlifting), Ella Constance and Luca Marzocchi (yachting).

There was also a special award for enthusiastic runner and fund-raiser Joel Melanie for his various charity projects conducted, especially during the Covid-10 pandemic to make a difference in the lives of many, mostly those in need.

Addressing the audience, Minister Zialor said the almost two years of restriction has mostly affected those who were active in competitive sports, in other words, it restricted them from their passion.

She encouraged the athletes to make the most of their beloved sporting disciplines while they can, and appreciate it more, since the pandemic has taught us that it can all be taken away in a flash.

She also commended the effort of the whole local sporting community for the courage, energy and determination to bounce back and start over following the restriction.

She also stressed on self-discipline, noting that it is among, if not the most crucial element in becoming good athletes, and producing better results, pushing them closer to their dream achievements.

Minister Zialor also thanked President Ramkalawan for his personal commitment in pushing local sports forward, as well as the government for investing in the development of sports.

Other than pledging her ministry’s commitment, Minister Zialor invited the business community to join the cause and help steer our sports and athletes further.

In a message of encouragement, President Ramkalawan thanked all those who in one way or another help the athletes on a daily basis to achieve good results, including their parents, coaches, and family members.

He said “a sport is an activity that unites and bonds the people together, and that most of the time, sports slogans are adopted by various within the society, including politicians, in their attempt to bring people together.”

In relation to the forthcoming 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) scheduled to take place in Madagascar from August 23 to September 3, President Ramkalawan urged all the athletes who will be representing the country to adopt a patriotic attitude as they will not be representing only themselves, but the whole country.

The ceremony was also highlighted by the official launch of the national countdown for the forthcoming IOIG.

Roland Duval