11th Indian Ocean Islands Games – sending off ceremony |18 August 2023

President Ramkalawan hands over the Seychelles flag to Felicity Passon (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

‘Positivity is the right attitude and mindset to be adopted’

 Positivity is the right attitude and mindset to be adopted by Seychellois athletes during and also after the 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games, scheduled to start next week in Madagascar, President Wavel Ramkalawan has said.

The head of state made the statement yesterday, during the traditional sending off ceremony for Team Seychelles, held at the National Sports Council (NSC) multi-purpose hall at  Roche Caïman, in the presence of First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari, Cabinet ministers, president of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) Antonio Gopal, government officials, athletes, and coaches.

President Ramkalawan firstly reminded those present that it is of utmost importance to show gratitude to those who have been behind the athletes till now, and those who are behind the scene, making it possible for Team Seychelles to be present at the 11th Games scheduled for August 25 to September 3 in Madagascar.

“I feel that there is a lot of energy among the athletes and I see a positive mindset within the whole team. We are not going to Madagascar just to participate, but in search of gold medals,” said President Ramkalawan.

He said, even though the preparations have had a slow start, many sporting disciplines managed to attend international training camps, adding that he is very pleased to hear from the athletes themselves that they have found new energy from their training camps.

“We have seen our athletes in competitions as part of their preparations winning medals, for example Keddy Agnes who brought home a silver medal, along with our judokas who won gold and silver medals. This has encouraged us even more,” said President Ramkalawan who also added that positivity is the attitude and mindset which the athletes should be taking with them to the Games and back home.

He also revealed that the government has agreed that each gold medal will be worth R40,000, while a silver medal will weigh R25,000, with R10,000 for a bronze medal.

The head of state also announced that he, along with First Lady Linda Ramkalawan who will be with the delegation throughout the Games, accompanied by two members of National Youth Assembly, namely speaker Saïd Lesperance and Abigail Faure, will be attending the country’s first football match on Thursday August 24 and the opening ceremony the following day.

President Ramkalawan also vouched that if any of our national selections reaches the final stages, he will make a special effort to return to Madagascar and bring his support.

“I am encouraging all athletes to go with a high level of positivity, resilience and the Seychellois mindset,” added President Ramkalawan.

He then handed over the country’s flag to swimmer Felicity Passon who will be Seychelles’ flag bearer at the opening ceremony.

In her address, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor congratulated all the selected athletes, coaches and officials for accepting the call to represent Seychelles.

“To represent your country it is a great honour and privilege, and you should bring those qualities to greater heights,” said Minister Zialor.

She expressed her gratitude towards President Ramkalawan, the Cabinet of ministers, the IOIG secretariat and the technical officers for their support.

In line with this year’s Team Seychelles’ motto which is ‘Bring the medals home’,   Minister Zialor said she is positive the athletes will return with a lot of gold medals.

She added that the 11th Games will be the first time a psychological team will be part of the Seychelles delegation to help the athletes mentally and psychologically, along with and two chaplains who will provide spiritual support.

To conclude, Minister Zialor urged the athletes not to be intimidated by their opponents who would be trying their best to demoralise them.

On his part, Mr Gopal said Seychelles’ sports have come a long way and developed significantly through the country’s participation at the IOIG.

He equally urged the athletes to make the country proud by producing good results.

“On our part, Socga is here to support the athletes through their development and we hope that they do their duties while competing in Madagascar,” said Mr Gopal.

He further noted that in the past, discipline was an issue amongst the athletes, resulting in poor performance during the Games.

Mr Gopal also asked the coaches and team managers to be vigilant and to maintain absolute discipline during their teams’ stay at the Games’ village.

To conclude, he thanked the athletes for their sacrifices and efforts made during their preparations and expressed his gratitude towards all the partners involved in flying Team Seychelles to the 11th IOIG in Madagascar. 

The evening was also animated by performances from local artists, the school of dance, participants of the volet jeunesse dance group, and the cheerleaders who will also accompany Team Seychelles.

There was also a poem from Rohan Albert.

The accompanying photos by our photographer Louis Toussaint show some of the scenes during the sending off ceremony.

 By Neil Sirame