Zwe Lespwar – August 20-26, 2018 Games number three underway |21 August 2018

The third Zwe Lespwar for secondary students, jointly organised by the National Sports Council in collaboration with various local sports federations, was officially launched yesterday during a ceremony at the Cable & Wireless Arena, Roche Caïman.

This year’s Games follow two successful meetings in 2014 and 2016 and it is gathering students from the 11 public and four private secondary schools in the country, battling for the top spots in athletics, basketball, swimming, football, table tennis and volleyball.

At the last Games in 2016, it was the Anse Royale Secondary School who emerged as the best overall.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony which was held in partnership with the Youth Festival organising committee was attended by principal secretary for youth and sports Fabian Palmyre, chief executive of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) Alvin Laurence, board chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC) Eddie Micock, chief executive of the NSC Jean Larue, head teachers, staff of the SNYC and NSC.

It started with a march past by athletes, before the Games’ hymn was performed by Christiana Alexis.

Launching the third Games, Mr Laurence reminded the athletes that it is the perfect opportunity for them to prove themselves and show what they can do as the youth of their country, despite the negative image which presently portrays the younger generation.

On his part, PS Palmyre urged the athletes to compete in unity, respect and tolerance towards one another.

“Despite being in opposite teams, it is important to practice unity and friendship,” he added.

Young athlete Kiran Bhageeruty and official Tasha Barbé then took the oath on behalf of their colleagues, before some cheerleading and dance performances put the guests on the edge of their seats.

The official opening ceremony ended with a series of boxing exhibition bouts.

The Zwe Lespwar was initiated as a tool to get the youngsters to enjoy sports, make friends, and develop good values and attitudes, including discipline, tolerance and fairness, while keeping them away from social ills.  

The accompanying photos were taken during yesterday afternoon’s ceremony.

R. D.