In a moment steeped in gratitude and national pride, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, hosted an official appreciation ceremony at State House on Saturday evening to commend the Seychelles National Beach Soccer Team – the Paradise Boys – along with the dedicated volunteers and key contributors behind the landmark FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025.
The gathering brought together an array of individuals whose collective efforts ensured the successful delivery of the historic tournament. Among them were players and coaching staff of Team Seychelles, members of the FIFA Local Organising Committee (LOC), volunteers, senior government officials, private sector partners, and representatives from public institutions including health, security, utilities, and the entertainment industry.
Addressing the assembly, President Ramkalawan extended a heartfelt welcome to all present and conveyed his deepest appreciation to those who played pivotal roles in transforming the event into a global showcase of Seychellois unity and capability. He hailed the tournament as “a proud moment for Seychelles, one that has united our people and showcased our capabilities to the world.”
Paying tribute to the Paradise Boys, the Head of State lauded their resilience and spirit on the field: “Team Seychelles, you played with heart and passion—on our sand, under our sun, and in front of our people. You carried our flag with pride, and for that, we are deeply proud of you,” he declared. He further recognised the vital role played by the coaching staff, support teams, and the families who stood steadfastly behind the athletes throughout the journey.
President Ramkalawan also praised the spirit of volunteerism exemplified by hundreds of Seychellois citizens who worked diligently across numerous domains. “You gave your time, your energy, and your heart to ensure everything ran smoothly. Your teamwork, dedication, and patriotism were the true driving force behind this success,” he stated.
The ceremony featured the presentation of symbolic tokens of appreciation to the team and representatives of the volunteer corps. Beyond its ceremonial significance, the event reaffirmed a collective sense of national pride in Seychelles’ successful hosting of the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup to be held on African soil.
The President reiterated his unwavering commitment to the continued development of sports and the empowerment of young people, acknowledging the profound impact of sport as a catalyst for inspiration and transformation among the nation's youth.
Adding a vibrant cultural touch to the evening, original musical compositions by Mr. Billy and Erica Rangasamy — "Sesel pe Sofe" and "Felisitasyon Tim Sesel" — were performed live, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of celebration and collective appreciation. The performances echoed the spirit of unity and gratitude that defined the occasion, honouring the dedication and hard work of all involved.