11th Indian Ocean Islands Games ‘Victory in unity and diversity’ |26 August 2023

• Let the Games begin

The 11th Indian Ocean Island Games in Madagascar are officially underway after being launched by President Andry Rajoelina during the official opening ceremony last night at the Barea Mahamasina Stadium in Antananarivo.

The chosen theme for the 11th Games is ‘Victory in unity and diversity’.

President Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, and their Mauritian counterpart Prithvirajsing Roopun were the guests of hounour at the opening ceremony which was marred by a stampede at one of the stadium’s entrances, leaving 12 people dead, including nine children, along with over 100 injured.

During the traditional athletes’ march past, it was swimmer Felicity Passon, winner of 11 medals – seven gold, three silver and one bronze – at the last Games in Mauritius in 2019, who was Seychelles’ flag bearer.

The 11th Games feature 17 sports disciplines, namely athletics, basketball, boxing, badminton, cycling, football, weightlifting, handball, judo, karate, wrestling, swimming, rugby, tennis, table tennis, pétanque, and volleyball. To ensure the safety of all athletes involved, the organising committee decided that the competition will only be held in Madagascar's capital city of Antananarivo.

In his remarks, President Rajoelina, on behalf of the people of Madagascar, welcomed everyone to the big island and also urged all the athletes to give the best of themselves, thus becoming models for the younger generations, while adopting good sporting spirit that makes the pride of our nations.

He also reminded the athletes that wherever they will be competing, other than the spirit of competition, the Games will build a huge sense of friendship, along with good memories.

In his capacity as president of the Games’ International Organising Committee (Cij), president of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) Antonio Gopal thanked the Malagasy authorities for taking up the challenge to host the 11th Games despite several setbacks, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also commended President Rajoelina for the chosen theme, which he said is the ideal theme for instilling peace and bringing about unity.

Mr Gopal also noted that to host Games of that magnitude, a huge amount of manpower and human resources need to be mobilised, and he commended all those who in one way or another lend a hand, including volunteers and sponsors.

The ceremony continued with the taking of oath by both athletes and officials, before the Games’ official flame was lit inside the stadium.

Musical and cultural performances illustrating the Malagasy culture and tradition was also on the programme which ended with fireworks.

Madagascar is organising the quadrennial event for the third time after hosting the Games in 1990 and 2007.

Roland Duval