It was through a special ceremony held at State House this afternoon that President James Michel handed over the Seychelles National flag to Mr. Dominic Dugasse, flag bearer for the Seychelles team participating in the 2012 Olympics games planned to take place in London between 27th July and 12th August 2012.

Five athletes will be taking part in different disciplines during this Olympics games. President Michel was presented with a gift from the athletes; a kit that they will be using during the Olympic including the Seychelles official tracksuit.

During the ceremony, President Michel personally presented Ms. Lissa Labiche with a special token of appreciation to reward her for the remarkable efforts and great achievements that brought great pride to the Seychelles. Ms. Labiche is the newly crowned African Champion for high jump establishing a new Seychelles National record at the Benin Senior African Championship. Following that, she established another new record at the 14th Edition of the IAAF Junior Championship held in Barcelona, Spain.

The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, Mr. Danny Faure, Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sport, Mr. Vincent Meriton, President for Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA), Mr. Antonio Gopal, Secretary General for Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA), Mr. Alain Alcindor, Principal Secretaries and other distinguished guests.

The President wishes all athletes good luck and success on behalf of the Government and the people of Seychelles.

Editors note:

•    The Seychelles Team comprises of Ms. Lissa Labiche – Athletics, Mr. Jean-Yves Esparon – Athletics, Mr. Aurelie Fanchette – Swimming, Mr. Shane Mangroo- Swimming, Mr. Dominic Dugasse – Judo