President Wavel Ramkalawan attended the official sending-off ceremony for the athletes participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, the United Kingdom from 28th July to 08th August. The ceremony took place at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort at Baie Lazare. Seychelles will be participating in this prestigious game with a team of 46 persons including athletes and officials along other Commonwealth countries.
During the ceremony, the President had words of encouragement for all the athletes by motivating them to challenge themselves while they compete alongside famous athletes from around the world. He expressed his wish for them to give their best, to be an ambassador for their country, and to bring back home good results.
“I urged you all to do your best and to make Seychelles proud. Remain focused, and maintain a high level of concentration. Keep up a good sense of discipline throughout the games. For those participating for the first time, use all the experience that you will gain to achieve better results in the future. For those focusing on bringing home medals, the whole country is behind you, you have our full support,”
“I want to thank all those who have put their hands together in helping in the preparations for these athletes to go and participate in this game. The coaches who made sure they choose the best athletes and in challenging them to reach the highest level, the family members for their support, the local sporting federations and associations, also to all the sponsors, their workplace, and everyone else who helped our athletes,” said President Ramkalawan.
On her part, The Minister for Youth, Sports, and Family, Mrs. Marie-Céline Zialor thank the Kempinski Seychelles Resort for collaborating with the Government in order to make it possible for the athletes to participate in this Commonwealth Games. She motivated the athletes to give their best and to return home with medals. She also thanked everyone who has helped the athletes and the Government for showing interest and the importance that sports play in society.
“My dear athletes, you are going to represent your country, do your best. We may be small as a country but with resilience, and determination, we remain firm in our belief to excel in sports. Take this mission seriously as Seychelles’ sports ambassadors, and be good role models for the younger athletes. The whole country is behind you and is expecting the best and to fly our national flag high,” said Minister Zialor.
There were also words of encouragement from the General Manager of Kempinski Hotels, Mr. Philippe H. Charraudeau, and the president of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga), Antonio Gopal.
The highlights of the ceremony were when the President formally handed over the National Flag of Seychelles to the Seychelles Team Flag Bearers, namely female high jumper, Ms. Natasha Chetty and boxer Mr. Keddy Agnes. President Ramkalawan also presented all athletes, coaches, and other members of the delegation with a flag.
During the ceremony, some athletes displayed their uniforms that they will be wearing at the games. There was also a recital of poems reflecting on the Commonwealth motto: ‘Humanity, Equality, Destiny’.
A token of appreciation was presented to the Kempinski Seychelles Resort for having partnered with the Government and making this trip possible as well as representatives from the government and the British High Commission.
The 27 athletes will be competing in the following sports event including Athletics, Boxing, cycling, Judo, Swimming, Squash Table Tennis and Weightlifting.
The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Afif, Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Rose Marie Hoareau, Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports Department, Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, Chief Executive Officer for the National Sports Council, Mr. Jean Larue, members of the Seychelles delegation and other invited guests.
The Seychelles delegation will depart Seychelles on 24th July and return on 10th August 2022.