PESS committee members introduced |16 May 2012

This was during the committee’s first meeting at Oceangate House in the presence of Community Development and Sports principal secretary Denis Rose.

Chaired by Jean Larue, the committee has 12 other members – Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association president Antonio Gopal, physical education and co-curriculum support section director Wilfred Adrien, physical education and co-curriculum support section representatives Ronald Wong, Norbert Dogley and Thomas Dodin, physical education instructor Linda Jeanne, National Sports Council chief executive Alain Volcère, Seychelles Athletics Federation chairman Selby Dora, sports journalist Barbara Hoareau, NSC's director for sports management and development Robert Auguste, basketballer Simone Malbrook and Seychelles Basketball Federation chairperson Sheila Ah-kong.

Designated Minister Meriton and his colleague minister Mondon called on all the committee members to bring their expertise to the meetings and make valuable contributions which will help in developing quality physical education and sports in Seychelles.

The main tasks of the committee include setting up the school sports structures, national competitive school sports programmes and the annual planning for school sports programmes.
It will also prepare and present periodical and annual reports to the ministers concerned, as well as advise them on strategies and policy issues.

It shall also monitor, evaluate and report on the delivery of all Physical Education and School Sports (PESS) strategy, programmes and activities to maximise returns on investment.

The PESS strategy will help develop a better coordinated and monitored school sports system ensuring the development of children and young people in the country.

The PESS forms part of the ongoing revision in the local sports structure and it will ensure that necessary structures are put in place to properly carry out and monitor the delivery of the national school sport programme.

It is being jointly carried out by the ministries responsible for sports and education respectively.

Ministers Meriton and Mondon signed the memorandum of understanding on February 21, 2012 at the education department meeting room.

The PESS will help prepare future athletes with the required level needed to take part in national championships at a very early stage.

Following discussions between the two parties involved, a programme focusing on national needs will be presented to physical education instructors to work on at school level. This will ease the integration of the young athletes in national competitions after they leave school.

Special training will also be organised for physical education teachers to help them better apply the programme.

G. G.