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More than 100 participants, including 75 schoolchildren, took part in the annual Eco Step: Fitness Meets Preservation 5km race and beach clean-up, organised in collaboration with the WOSITA Foundation, Parley Seychelles and the Ministry of Education.

The activity promoted physical fitness while raising awareness about environmental preservation.

The 5Km Race began and ended at DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles, Allamanda Resort and Spa in Takamaka, following a route along Bougainville Road towards the Vald’Endor junction.

The event brought together schoolchildren, parents, teachers, members of WOSITA, staff from Allamanda Resort & Spa, as well as Mr Joel Melanie, a well-known Seychellois long-distance and charity runner recognised for his participation in endurance and fundraising events, and Jason Winslow, a young Seychellois advocate living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The winners in the respective categories were:

Boys' Category

1. Samson Florentine – Plaisance School

2. Calvin Sidonie – Mont Fleuri School

3. Michael Dodin – Mont Fleuri School

Open Boys' Category

1. Andrew Florentine

2. Vignesh – DoubleTree by Hilton

3. Ferdinand – DoubleTree by Hilton

Girls' Category

1. Williana Bibi – Anse Boileau School

2. Tariah Adrienne – Anse Boileau School

3. Amirante Fourcroy – École Française de Seychelles

Open Girls' Category

1. Shirley Otar – WOSITA Foundation

2. Giselle Delorie – DoubleTree by Hilton

3. Delah Mondon – WOSITA Foundation

Following the race, participants, including members of the WOSITA Foundation, schoolchildren and teachers, joined Parley Seychelles for a beach clean-up activity at Anse Forbans. The activity reinforced the importance of translating environmental awareness into practical action.

Speaking to the press, WOSITA Foundation Chairperson and First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, welcomed the improved race conditions, noting that this year’s shaded route provided a more comfortable experience for participants compared to last year’s event at Perseverance.

The First Lady also expressed her satisfaction with the participation of private schools this year, particularly the International School Seychelles and École Française de Seychelles. She expressed hope that participation would increase further next year, with the event potentially moving to another location on the island, such as Beau Vallon.

The annual activity supports the WOSITA Foundation's Environment and Sustainability pillar, one of the six main pillars outlined in its Constitution. Through the combination of sport, community participation and environmental action, Eco Step: Fitness Meets Preservation aims to encourage healthier lifestyles and nurture environmental responsibility among younger generations.