11th Indian Ocean Islands Games – President Wavel Ramkalawan visits Games Village |26 August 2023

President Ramkalawan happy with Team Seychelles’ high spirit and enthusiasm

The high spirit, enthusiasm and willingness to compete for Seychelles by local athletes displays the high level of patriotism and eagerness to fly the country’s flag high at the 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games, President Wavel Ramkalawan has said.

The head of state made the comment yesterday, shortly after visiting the local athletes and officials at the two hotels where they are lodging in the Malagasy capital Antananarivo, bringing his support and words of encouragement.

During the visits at the Ibis and the Radisson Blu hotels, President Ramkalawan was accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor, principal secretary for Youth and Sports Ralph Jean-Louis, and the chief executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) Marc Arissol.

In terms of spirit, President Ramkalawan said he is very satisfied with the positive approach adopted by the athletes.

The head of state who attended Seychelles’ first football match against hosts Madagascar on Thursday noted that even though they lost the match 0-1, the players are still adopting a high spirit as they already planning on how to tackle their second match on Monday against Mauritius, with a positive approach, aiming to sail further into the competition.

President Ramkalawan further added that for a team to maintain their composure when playing in a stadium full of opponents’ supporters illustrates the level of mental strength of the Seychellois players.

He said the positive approach of the athletes reaffirms their commitment, winning them the support of the whole country, spreading the positive spirit to everyone back home.

President Ramkalawan further noted that positive feedbacks and words of support and encouragement on social media following Thursday’s match prove that the whole Seychellois nation from back home, and all over the world is behind the athletes.

“My wish is that the positive attitude within the athletes transforms into medals, especially gold medals,” said President Ramkalawan, adding that the positive vibe from the athletes is contagious, spreading across the whole of Seychelles.

Roland Duval

Photos: Patrick Joubert