Athletics-All set for first ‘Seychelles Track & Field Schools Invitational Meet’ |20 April 2012

Jointly organised by the Seychelles Athletics Federation (SAF), local telecommunications company Airtel, the Ministry of Education and the National Sports Council (NSC), the ‘Seychelles Track & Field Schools Invitational Meet’ feature young athletes from the seven best performing secondary schools during the 2011 National Schools Athletics Championship – Praslin, Anse Royale, English River, Plaisance, La Digue, Pointe Larue and Beau Vallon – alongside athletes from the International School of Kenya.

The technical aspect of the competition will be the responsibility of the local athletics body and the athletes will compete in the under-14, under-16, under-18 and under-20 groups.

The new competition has been added to the local calendar as part of efforts to promote schools sports programmes and ensure that the youth develop their physical capacities, leading to a more active and healthy lifestyle.

It is also an opportunity to provide our young athletes with quality exposure and the opportunity to further develop their potential to the fullest.

It was initiated following an agreement between the Ministry of Education and the ministry responsible for sports for a better coordinated and monitored school sports system which will  ensure the development of the children and young people of the country through the “Physical Education and School Sports” (PESS) Strategy.

The Kenyan delegation comprising 27 athletes and 11 officials arrived in the country yesterday afternoon.

They were welcomed at the airport by the NSC chief executive Alain Volcère, SFF chairman Selby Dora and Airtel managing director Tsiresy Randriamampionona.

According to Athletics director at the International School of Kenya, Derrick Quinet, the athletes have been preparing and are looking forward to the competition.

He however added that they are here to have a good time in the spirit of exchange and friendship, rather than just serious competition.

The official launch of this inaugural event will take place at 10am today at Stad Popiler.