Paralympics athlete Gerry Thérésine receives racing wheelchair from President Ramkalawan |07 July 2023

Souvenir photo of the presentation ceremony (Photo: Contributed)

Expected to represent Seychelles at the 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games scheduled for August 25 to September 3 in Madagascar, handisport athlete Gerry Thérésine received a new racing wheelchair from President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday at the State House.

According to the head of State, the generous heart who made the donation wants to remain anonymous.

President Ramkalawan congratulated Thérésine for his past success at the Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) and wished him all the best at the upcoming one in Madagascar.

“Since last time you won bronze, with this new wheelchair we hope you bring back a gold medal,” said President Ramkalawan who added that the wheelchair will serve as a trial run and for training as Thérésine will be given a new one to compete at the 11th IOIG.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Thérésine said he is very grateful and happy for this generous gesture to support him for the IOIG, where he will take part in the 1500m wheelchair race.

 “With this new wheelchair I can do better and go faster as it is much lighter than my previous one and I can see it is of very high quality,” said the 17-year-old Paralympics racer.

At the last IOIG in 2019, in Mauritius, Thérésine won a bronze medal in the 1500m race clocking 6 minutes 15.50 seconds (6:15.50) and he is aiming to reach bigger height this year.

“For me to bring better results I must keep focusing on my training, work harder each day and remember what I have been taught by my coach, and if I manage to do all that, I am positive of the outcome,” said Thérésine.

Thérésine was inspired to be part of Paralympics sports since the age of 13 and even with his condition he was always been enthusiastic about exercise and sports.

He said he was approached by his coach Terry Volcère to join Paralympics due to his good physique and he seized the opportunity.

On his part, coach Volcère said the athlete has been preparing since the beginning of the year.

 “Training is going very well, and we train three times per week at Stad Popiler,” said coach Volcère who added that with the Games approaching, they are intensifying the drills.

He said they have been having issues in regards to equipment, and this donation will lighten the load. Thérésine’s mentor is expecting him to maintain his position and even climb higher in the ranks at the Games in Madagascar.

As for Thérésine’s mother, Bettina Anna, she said her son is very grateful and also appreciates the generous gesture by the president.

“I am very happy and I hope others will be inspired by this donation and come forward with sponsorships of their own,” said Ms Anna who added that the previous wheelchair was heavier and gave his son shoulder pain.

“I am very positive that the new equipment will suit his training and help him produce better results in Madagascar,” added Ms Anna.

Thérésine’s mother will not accompany him to Madagascar, but has good faith in his mentor and coach. To conclude, she said she has always been there to support her son since he started his journey in sports and is very proud of what he has accomplished so far.

Neil Sirame