11th Indian Ocean Island Games |17 August 2023

Minister Zialor visits athletes as they prepare for the IOIG

In her effort to boost the morale of local athletes and the momentum of training in preparation for the upcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor has made it a must to visit all the athletes at their training grounds, bringing her support and words of encouragement and motivation.

Among the sporting disciplines visited include football, basketball, petanque, track and field athletics, karate, handball, boxing, volleyball, judo, badminton, tennis and judo.

Minister Zialor’s series of visits kicked off on Wednesday August 1 where she met with the basketball 3x3 and 5x5 selections, before proceeding to other sporting disciplines.

She was accompanied by principal secretary for Youth and Sports Ralph Jean-Louis, and the chief executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) Marc Arissol.

Meeting the team managers and the selected athletes, Minister Zialor emphasised on maintaining a positive attitude and good team spirit before and during the games.

She also praised the national selections for the commitment and sacrifices made in training and looks forward for a positive outcome in Madagascar.

Minister Zialor explained that her visit is to show the government’s support and commitment ahead of the 11th Games.

She described the morale among the national teams as high as ever and they are grateful for the support from the sponsors, making it possible to send some national squads on overseas training camps.

Minister Zialor also pointed out that Seychelles won gold in football, boxing and other disciplines in 2011 when the country hosted the Games on home soil. She has asked the sportsmen and women to fly our flag high in Madagascar this year.

During the meetings, concerns and issues were raised by the athletes, mainly on logistics and their welfare. Minister Zialor reassured them that their concerns are being addressed and that they should be focusing on being prepared for the upcoming Games both physically and mentally.

Swimming is one of the disciplines expected to bring great results and during her meeting with the swimmers on August 8, Minister Zialor said she believes there is something magical about Seychellois in the water and urged members of the young team to give their best at the 11th games.

To clear the air in the confusing atmosphere around young female swimmer Khema Elizabeth, Minister Zialor noted that a fourth meeting with all parties involved in the scandal was held and they were able to reach a conclusion where both the head coach of the national team Barnsley Albert and Elizabeth’s coach Jude Vidot agreed on terms regarding her training.

She said the misunderstanding was due to lack of communication and following her intervention they were able to sit down and talk things through to achieve mutual goals.

On her part, gold medallist and record holder Felicity Passon said she does not have big expectation for the 11th Games as she suffered from a broken elbow last November and was able to get back into the water only in May, leaving her with only five months of training.

She added that her rehabilitation went well and is working towards regaining her form.

Passon pointed out that Seychelles will be participating in the Games with a very young team and feels that they should not be pressured with huge expectations, adding that the swimming team will be giving its best at the Games.

Concluding her visits, Minister Zialor urged the whole country to support the athletes who will be doing their most to make our island proud.

The accompanying photos show Minister Zialor and her delegation during the visits.

Text and photos: Neil Sirame