Raft race for charity funds donated |26 December 2019

A souvenir photograph to mark the occasion (Photo: Anel Robert)

The Seychelles National Parks Authority alongside the Global Vision International and other sponsors and partners have donated to the President’s Village R29,638 raised from the annual raft race for charity.

A small presentation ceremony was held last week at the Seybar Café at the Seychelles International Airport, Pointe Larue in the presence of the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) chief executive (CEO) Selby Remy, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) deputy CEO Jenifer Sinon, Skychef CEO Pascale D’Offay, Global Vision International (GVI) regional director Chris Mason Parker, the chief executive of Grace Mondon Foundation (a charitable organisation) Clifford Mondon, who is also the founder of the ‘Make A Child Smile’ organisation, among other organising members, sponsors, partners and recipients.

It was President’s Village director Brigitte Balette who accepted the cheque from the organisers and partners of the race. Mrs Balette said that the money will complement what they receive from government to buy the children’s basic needs.

The donation was part of the total sum of R39,0638 raised through the organisation of the event which was won by Skychef. As winners, Skychef got part of the funds raised to donate to a charity of their choice. Through the Grace Mondon Foundation, the champions chose to donate the R10,000 for the continuous treatment of one-year-old Ricardo Mondon Gordon who is unable to walk.

Ricardo’s mother, Jessica Mondon, who was present along with Ricardo, joined Ms Balette to thank the organisers, partners, sponsors and participants of the race for their generous donation.

This year’s race took place on the afternoon of November 23 at Cap Ternay and saw a total of 19 teams taking part and champions Skychef along with the other teams again this year broke a series of records from the most funds raised to the fastest time to compete the race. The aim of the race is to help with the wellbeing of the community and also to raise environmental awareness, especially on marine pollution.

The race, in its eighth year, was organised for the second time as part of the Seychelles Tourism Board’s Ocean Festival activities. Participants on the 25 rafts had to paddle a total of 1.6km across the sea from Cap Ternay beach and back, on rafts made from environment-friendly and/or reusable materials. Skychef won the race in 25 minutes 50 seconds to erase the old time of 27 minutes 57 seconds set last year when they also won.

Cable & Wireless Seychelles finished in the runner-up position and the National Council for Children (NCC) came in third.

The Baie Ternay Marine Park, where the race was held, is a 40-year-old national park under the jurisdiction of SNPA. It is treasured for its astounding vistas, with pristine seashore fringed by calm turquoise shallows and abundant marine life.

Patrick Joubert