11th Indian Ocean Islands Games 2023 – Madagascar |28 April 2023

Yesterday’s session of the psychosocial support committee in progress (Photo: Neil Sirame)

Psychosocial support committee to prepare local athletes mentally

With the 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games 2023 scheduled to take place in Madagascar from August 23 to September 3 fast approaching, other than physical and technical preparations, it is equally important that a comprehensive framework or model of care to support and respond to the mental health needs of athletes are put in place.

To handle this part of preparations prior to, and also during the Indian Ocean Islands Game (IOIG), the National Sports Council (NSC) has set up a psychosocial support committee to help the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the athletes in their quest to perform to the best of their abilities in future instances, especially those who will be having first-time experience.

The working group is made up of mental coaches, psychologists, nutritionists, as well as religious figures, namely Reverend Christine Benoit and Pastor Terrence Payet who have been appointed in an official capacity as chaplains for sports. 

The other members are Beryl Naiken, Jimmy Petrousse and Beryl Dodin from the quality of life division, Pharella Charlie (nutritionist) and Marc Arrisol (NSC chief executive).

The group met yesterday during a seminar at the NSC at Stad Linite where they discussed a work plan on how to prepare athletes, especially with the unfamiliar atmosphere in Madagascar.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Mr Arrisol said during his short time in the post of chief executive, he took time and liberty to meet with different athletes and coaches and he noticed that there are some elements of being athletes that were being neglected before and the committee intends to change that.

He said it is good to expect athletes to bring home medals but there are the five other areas of a human being that an athlete also needs.

“There were instances were past athletes brought good results for the country but could not have a career because of lack of focus in sports and in the end they see themselves in certain situations,” said Mr Arrisol who added that mental preparation for an athlete is necessary, especially since they are not used to performing before big crowds.

Mr Arrisol further explained that last year, there was a small group who was taking up such matters but they did not cover all the aspects of these issues.

He said last year the group did a session with some athletes, while the main issue remains a lack of qualified personnel, especially mental coaches.

Mr Arrisol further noted that the activities were being practiced before, but on a small scale.

He added that through previous sessions with federations and associations, athletes did not find it convenient, or comfortable to discuss individual and confidential issues.

Adopting a chaplaincy in sports is also good, Mr Arrisol noted, adding that spirituality also promotes good values such as fair play and other social and spiritual values.

He said the NSC is changing the way of doing things, and instead of dictating, it is inviting experts in respective fields to bring in their contributions, especially in preparing for the IOIG.

On his part, Pastor Payet said the role of chaplaincy in sports is to bring spiritual support to athletes, empowering them on good values.

“I believe that an athlete does not need just their physical aspect and skills, but also the spiritual part in their social life to maintain a good and exemplary behaviour as an athlete,” said Pastor Payet who added that through one-on-one, or group sessions, athletes will be able to unearth the importance of spirituality in sports.

Neil Sirame