Sandy Esparon to be laid to rest today |06 July 2023

Sandy Esparon (Photo: Contributed)

The district of Takamaka is in mourning as one of its sons will be laid to rest today, Thursday July 6, 2023 in the parish cemetery.

Sandy, Vincent Esparon, better known as ‘Na-Ace’, passed away on Friday June 30, 2023 at the Seychelles Hospital. Born on April 28, 1964, Sandy was 59 years old.

Volleyballers, family members and friends are invited to celebrate Sandy’s life today. The wake, from 12 noon to 2pm, will be on the old volleyball court at Takamaka where he rose to stardom. This will be followed by the celebration of his life at the St Mary Magdelene’s Church at 2pm.

During his heydays as a volleyballer in the 1980s with the respected Takamaka team, Sandy was feared for his hard left-handed smashes on the outdoor courts and the La Promenade Gymnasium.

He played alongside David Denis, Flossel François, Pat Larue, Jean-Marc Marengo, Norlis Marengo, and the three Marie brothers ‒ José, Robert and Jean-Paul.

Sandy was also part of the Seychelles team who competed at the Second Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) in Mauritius in 1985.

Sandy’s younger sister Marie-Simone Esparon (now Sinon) also competed at the IOIG in 1985 and she went on to win two bronze medals in 1990 (Madagascar) and 1993 (Seychelles).

After retiring as a volleyball player, Sandy took up petanque and again played for his district team Takamaka with Richard de Gonzague, Nichol Esparon and Gonzague Jouanneau as teammates. He even competed in Mauritius.

Sandy leaves behind his wife and two sons.

Sports NATION sends its condolences to the family members of Sandy who represented his district and country with verve and determination.

Gerard Govinden