13th African Games – Accra, Ghana from March 8-23, 2024 |05 March 2024
The athletes showing off their new attire (Photo: Roland Duval)
Seychelles to compete in six sports disciplines
Seychelles believes in the talents of local athletes and that is why we are going to Accra 2023 to remind the rest of our might, in spite of being the smallest state on the African continent, chief executive of the National Sports Council Marc Arissol has said.
He was speaking during the traditional sending-off ceremony for Team Seychelles who will be taking part in the 13th African Games scheduled for Ghana from March 8-23, 2024.
Held yesterday afternoon at the Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, the ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor, principal secretary for Youth and Sports Ralph Jean-Louis, athletes, coaches, officials and sponsors.
Mr Arissol asked the athletes to make their journey a testament to the resilience, strength, and dreams that define the African spirit.
“Go out there knowing you have the support of an entire country behind you, and knowing that by giving your all, your own dream of succeeding may become a reality,” said Mr Arissol.
Encouraging the athletes, Minister Zialor reminded them that, they are not going to Accra to gain experience, but to win since Seychelles know the taste of winning medals at such event.
She thanked all athletes, coaches and officials for their commitment, and sacrifices, and at the same time urged them to carry the country in their heart at every event and competition at the Games.
Minister Zialor also reminded the athletes that being chosen to represent the country already makes them a winner, and it is just a matter of bringing the winning mentality and attitude along with them to Accra.
She then handed over the Seychelles flag to boxer Dasheil Fanchette in the absence of fellow pugilist Keddy Agnes who will be Seychelles’ flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
Team Seychelles then received a blessing and words of encouragement and support from Reverend Christine Benoit, before brand and marketing manager of telecommunication company Airtel, Jude Valmont, presented weightlifter Clementina Agricole with the official back pack for Team Seychelles at the Games.
On behalf of the athletes, young swimmer Dorianne Bristol thanked the government of Seychelles, through the National Sports Council, for the opportunity to represent the country at the 13th African Games.
“Your support has been instrumental in shaping our athletic journey, and we are truly honoured to represent our nation on the international stage,” added Bristol
At the 13th Games, Seychelles will be represented by a contingent of 60, with athletes competing in track and field athletics, boxing, swimming, judo, volleyball, and weightlifting.
The 13th African Games were previously scheduled to take place in August 2023, but due to economic problems, delays in preparations, and issues between shareholders, they were moved to 2024.
Three Ghanaian cities, namely Kumasi, Accra, and Cape Coast will host the Games, making it only the second to be decentralised in history.
Seychelles’ delegation at the 13th African Games
Athletics: Sharry Dodin, Caleb Vadivello, Iven Moïse, Don Wirtz, Janosh Moncherry, Denzel Adem, Dylan Sicobo, Neil Azemia, Natasha Chetty (athletes), Giovanni Fanny, Joseph Volcy (officials)
Boxing: Shain Boniface, Joshua Cousin, Jovanie Bouzin, Dasheil Fanchette, Mohamed William, Arshild David, Keddy Agnes (athletes), Gerry Legras, Rival Payet, Roland Raforme (officials)
Judo: Amandah Payet, Cheryl Marie, Murella Crea, Paris Loze, Nigel Quilindo, Ashley Paul, Alexander Quilindo, Dominic Dugasse, Jamison Dick, Nantenaina Finesse (athletes), Calix Cesar, Nady Jeanne, Ravi Valmont, Terry Mothée, Brigitte Cesar (officials)
Swimming: Keira Berlouis, Dorianne Bristol, Aaliyah Palestrini, Amos Ferley, Nathan Nagapin, Thierry Payet, Damien Payet, Simon Bachmann, Adam Moncherry, Joshua Miller (athletes), Shane Mangroo, Julio Smith, Hilda Khan (officials)
Volleyball: Nayeli Etienne, Camilla Francourt, Tania Solin, Petra Richard, Manuela Monthy, Hilary Nourrice, Angelique Adeline, Marielle Bonne, Vanita Rose, Petrina Victor, Catrina Simon, Natifa Marengo, Dania Hoareau (players), Julien Onezime, Ernest Bonnelame, Henrico Ernesta (officials)
Weightlifting: Clementina Agricole (athlete), Reginald Estro (official)
Medical: Martin Rodriguez Barrios, Julie Shamlaye, Joselle Labrosse, Gracie Nartey, Ihsan Nagi, Venessa Herminie, Suzane Agathine, Jostel Desnousse, Douglas Pierre, Beryl Naiken
Administration: Paul Denis, Jennifer Bonne
Secretariat: Steve Hoareau, Dominic Pillay, Ruddy Joseph, Maria Dailoo, Lisette Nolin, Maryila Dorlin
Media: Andy Henriette, Vitana Gabriel, Roland Duval
Dignitaries: Minister Marie-Celine Zialor, Sharon Thelemaque-Ernesta, Ghislaine Belmont
Chef de mission: Lucas Georges
Roland Duval
