11th Indian Ocean Islands Games   |21 August 2023

Minister Zialor discussing with the weightlifters during training on Friday (Photo: Neil Sirame)

Minister Zialor ends visits to national selections’ training grounds

Youth, Sports and Family Minister Marie-Celine Zialor has ended her series of visits to the various training sites of the different national selections who are to represent the country at the upcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games set to begin on Friday in Madagascar.

The visits were to boost the morale of local athletes and the momentum of training in preparation for the Games, through support and words of encouragement and motivation.

In her last two visits on Friday, Minister Zialor, who was accompanied by principal secretary for Youth and Sports Ralph Jean-Louis, met with the cycling and weightlifting selections.

The sports minister firstly apologised to the athletes for not meeting up with them prior to the sending-off ceremony which took place last Thursday at the National Sports Council (NSC) multi-purpose hall, but however noted that she was glad and happy to see them hyped up and very energetic in their preparations for the Games.

Addressing the weightlifters, Minister Zialor commended them, noting that despite the poor condition of their training facility, they have kept focusing on their training and preparations.

On behalf of the government, she promised them that next year the facility will be revamped, making it more conducive for training.

She thanked the athletes for their efforts and sacrifices made towards the Games and asked them to keep persevering to better their performances, thus making the country proud.

“We know that there is a lot of pressure from the public since weightlifting is the discipline that always brings good results, but do not let that pressure pin you down,” said Minister Zialor who added that she believes in the athletes and knows that they will give their best in Madagascar.

Minister Zialor also talked about mental coaching and the lifters reassured her that they are in good mental health, adding that their morale is high.

She also urged the athletes to bring back good results in the terms of medals, adding that through international cooperation, the future for weightlifting is bright in terms of the availability of training possibilities, due to the high prospects in regards to the sport.

“You guys have to set your eyes further than the IOIG because with the success we have had internationally, I believe we can achieve even greater feats,” concluded Minister Zialor.

Neil Sirame