Opinion piece |11 September 2023

Rejuvenate and propel Seychellois sports to new heights

Seychelles' sports federations and associations have faced challenges in recent years, from administrative issues to stagnant growth. To rejuvenate and propel Seychellois sports to new heights, a strategy of infusing fresh energy and expertise is crucial.

Revitalising Seychelles’ sports federations

1. Transparent governance and accountability:
   • A key element in the rejuvenation process is ensuring transparent governance. Sports federations should be run with accountability, professionalism, and transparency in mind. This begins with the establishment of clear organisational structures, bye-laws, and regular financial audits.
   • Encourage stakeholder participation by involving former athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts in the decision-making process. Their insights can be invaluable in shaping the future of Seychellois sports.
2. Youth involvement and development:
   • Engaging the youth is paramount. Establish programmes that nurture young talents across all sports disciplines. This includes expanding access to sports facilities, creating school sports leagues, and offering scholarships to promising athletes.
   • Establish partnerships with educational institutions to integrate sports into the curriculum, emphasising the holistic development of young Seychellois athletes.
3. Expert coaching and training:
   • Recruit experienced coaches and trainers, both locally and internationally, to mentor athletes. This will elevate the skills and knowledge of Seychellois sports professionals.
   • Offer coaching certifications and continuous training programmes to ensure that coaches stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and methodologies.
4. Infrastructure development:
   • Invest in sports infrastructure by building and maintaining modern facilities that meet international standards. This will not only benefit local athletes but also make Seychelles a potential host for regional and international events.
   • Explore public-private partnerships to finance these projects and ensure sustainable development.
5. Promotion and marketing:
   • Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to raise the profile of Seychellois sports at home and abroad. This includes branding, social media, and broadcasting rights negotiations.
   • Host international sports events to showcase Seychelles' capabilities and attract tourists and sponsors.
6. Diversify revenue streams:
   • Reduce reliance on government funding by exploring alternative revenue streams, such as merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and sports tourism.
   • Encourage corporate involvement in sports through tax incentives and sponsorship recognition programmes.
7. Sports diplomacy:
   • Leverage sports as a tool for diplomacy by participating in international sports forums, fostering relationships with other nations, and promoting Seychelles as a sports tourism destination.
8. Continuous evaluation and adaptation:
   • Establish a regular review process to assess the progress of the federations. Be open to adapting strategies based on performance indicators and feedback from stakeholders.

Conclusion

Revamping Seychelles' sports federations and associations with new blood and fresh ideas is not only a strategic move but also a commitment to the well-being and development of the nation. By focusing on transparency, youth development, professional coaching, infrastructure, marketing, revenue diversification, diplomacy, and continuous evaluation, Seychelles can aspire to excel on the global sports stage while nurturing local talent and fostering a strong sense of national pride in sports achievements. The future of Seychellois sports looks promising with these comprehensive changes on the horizon.

Name withheld

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this Opinion piece are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.