Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 |16 June 2023

Team Seychelles engage in fraternal activities prior to 16th World Games

Already in Germany for the 16th Special Olympics World Games which will take place in Berlin from June 17 to 25, members of Team Seychelles have been keeping themselves active by engaging in several sports activities along with interactions within the local community.

Yesterday, the team took part in some competitive sporting events in the Spieleohne Grenzen in Gelsenkirchen where our special athletes finished first and second overall, out of 15 teams.

According to head of delegation and Special Olympics national coordinator Hellen Ernesta, the event was very challenging, but fun.

The team also visited a centre where only people with all sorts of disabilities work.

The opening ceremony of the 2023 World Games will take place tomorrow in the Berlin Olympic Stadium, where speeches will highlight the importance of the Games. In addition to the parade of athletes and the lighting of the Special Olympics flame, an inclusive top-class show programme will provide entertainment.

The Special Olympics World Games offer the opportunity to unite the world like no other event can, where people with and without disabilities, people of different nations, cultures, political views and religions meet and can overcome existing prejudices with the power of sport.

Berlin, Germany is welcoming 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and unified partners from approximately 170 countries to compete in 24 sports.

The athletes will be supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.

Team Seychelles at the Games are made up of Donelle Ernesta (girls athletics), Jean-Marc de Silva and Anil Quatre (boys athletics), Graham Jacques, Anielle Charlette – from La Digue – Peter Valentin, Maggie Estico – from Praslin – Aleandro Croisée, Suzie Sarakkya – from Mahe – (bocce), and ) and Richard Sophola (Power lifting).

They are being accompanied by head coach Erica Celeste, coaches Olivier Nibourette, Vincent Cedras, Rency Balgobin, Jean Vardin, Ms Ernesta (head of delegation), Raymonde Onezime (assistant head of delegation) and Dr Mickey Noël (medical).

Roland Duval