Regatta will stay at Beau Vallon, says Minister St Ange |15 October 2013

The much-loved annual Regatta event will keep taking place in the district of Beau Vallon.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange said this during the Regatta 2013 prize-giving ceremony at the Konoba restaurant on Saturday evening.

Present at the event were Seychelles Round Table 2 (SRT2) president Dan Fontaine and other members, chief executive of the National Sports Council Giovanna Rousseau, sponsors and prize winners.

Mr St Ange said with the construction of the Beau Vallon promenade, Regatta and Subios organisers will have a place to stage their events annually.

“We want Beau Vallon to remain the area where Seychellois want to go to,” he added.

He also quoted President James Michel’s forward message to Round Table: “Regatta brings our people together in the biggest fundraising event in our country. It is this spirit of involvement and sharing that strengthens our unity, makes our nation great and fosters compassion.”

Mr St Ange added that these words from the President embody the spirit that brings success to Regatta.

The star prize, a Kia Cerato, went to seven-year-old Rich Naiken of Au Cap.

A representative of Excel Motors Noel Carandang handed over the car keys to Rich’s grandparents Mr and Mrs Selby Camille.

His grandparents said Rich was very happy when he learned about his star prize, adding that the lucky ticket was in a whole booklet bought by Rich’s mother for the family.

They do not know what their grandson will do with the car, saying this will be decided later.

Speaking at the event, Mr Fontaine said Regatta 2013 was a great success as the SRT2 has been able to raise R1 million mostly from the lottery proceeds.

“We had a record sale of 101,000 tickets. Before we used to sell around 67,000 tickets,” he said.

Mr Fontaine added that SRT2 has not yet identified a project to fund but the team is in contact with different ministries, and soon a project will be chosen.