Seychelles badminton loses coach Luo |17 November 2008

“I’m leaving Seychelles for China, but my heart will always beat for Seychelles. I love this country. It was not an easy decision to make, but I have to move back to China to take care of my family,” said coach Luo, who first came to Seychelles in 1995.

Luo worked here until 2001 before being hired as Mauritius coach in 2001 and in March 2003, he was back in Seychelles. He was the country’s team’s head coach until March this year when his contract expired.

“I was offered a new two-year contract but I refused not because I don’t want to work here, but because my wife and children miss me. I was given an option to stay for another year, but I decided upon a six-month contract to help the team for the CJSOI Games.

“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved during the time I’ve spent here. I’ve produced African champions in ladies’ singles and mixed doubles. It’s a big achievement. I’m sure I could have done a lot more if I was to stay here,” said Luo, whose wife is a Seychellois and they have two children – an eight-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter.

Coach Luo added that he will stay in contact with Seychelles Badminton Association chairman Michel Bau and his strong executive committee to follow the progress of Seychellois badminton players.

“If my help is needed in any way, I’m prepared to come back and play a key role. While in China, I’ll be working to improve the sporting relationship between the two countries. I’ll try my best to see that Seychellois athletes competing in badminton, table tennis and swimming benefit from training camps in China,” he added.
Coach Luo leaves on Monday November 24.

G. G.