President James Michel has thanked the athletes, organizers of the 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Games, the federations and sports associations, the coaching staff, sponsors, volunteers, services and the entire Seychellois nation for the success of the regional sporting event.

"Our nation has just lived extraordinary moments which brought all Seychellois pride and joy in a surge of patriotism," said President Michel in a message of thanks broadcast in the evening at the end of the games closing ceremony on Sunday 14th August.

"The success in the organization of the 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Games makes us proud as a country that is capable of mobilizing all its people and all its resources to realize a sport and youth event of a very high standard for the region.

"I would like to, first of all, express my gratitude to all Seychellois for their total support, enthusiasm, commitment, excellent reception and warm hospitality towards the guests from the region. You have contributed enormously to our victory.

"I thank everybody who has been involved, directly or indirectly, in the organization of this fascinating edition of the island games.

"I thank all the federations, sports associations and coaching staff for their devotion and intensive preparations of the athletes. We have harvested the fruit of your efforts.

"I thank all the sponsors for their contributions. We truly appreciate the partnership between government, the private sector and civil society, which is the key to progress and the healthy development of our country.

"I thank all the volunteers who knew that the country could count on them in the time of need. It is the spirit of volunteerism that drives our country in all its aspects.

"I thank all the agencies that mobilised extra personnel and resources to ensure the good conduct of the games. I convey a special thank you to the Police and all essential services involved.

"I thank all the spectators who filled the sports venues to cheer for our athletes and turn our Indian Ocean games into a spectacular event. You were a force in your own right!

"My biggest thank you is for all athletes. You gave your all, the best of yourselves, in the true spirit of a strong, hardworking, dynamic and determined Seychellois youth.  We are proud of you. We are very happy we have a good crop of gold, silver and bronze medals -- the best results so far -- but we are satisfied with the participation of all of you.  We convey our gratitude to all of you for the exceptional success you achieved for our homeland.

"The Indian Ocean games were a time of great joy for our people. We have strengthened our unity. We rallied around our flag and national anthem. The patriotism on display showed our love for our dear Seychelles. Together, we lived unforgettable moments.  And for all of us as a people, the victory our country has earned is not only a celebration but also a manifestation of our unity, harmony, our identity as Seychellois, and our patriotic fervor. This is what we should always keep.  This is what Seychelles deserves!  

"Although we are the smallest country in the Indian Ocean games, we feel we are a true giant when considering our capacity to organize a regional event of this scale, the exceptional performance of our athletes and the victory achieved. We have successfully realized our games, on our islands.

"Every point scored in the games, every medal won, was a victory. We felt the victory strongly from the applause from our people. Our island games were another huge victory for Seychelles. The games were also a victory for our brothers and sisters of the Indian Ocean.  

"Together, and in unity, we will continue to earn more victories for Seychelles. Together, we will continue to make the Seychelles star shine!"