Adequate funding needed for sports development |12 December 2008

The National Sports Council’s chief executive Alain Volcère made this remark on Wednesday night at the Coral Strand Hotel during the official launch of the first ever sports lottery.

Mr Volcère said financial resources will be required to prepare athletes, coaches and officials who represent Seychelles in international competitions.

Representatives of sponsors listen to NSC chief executive Volcère (right) as he delivers his speech

He also spoke of the need to hire the services of foreign coaches and technical advisers to boost the preparation of Seychellois sportsmen and women, overseas placements for young, talented athletes who aspire to the highest possible standards, the ever-increasing need to get the latest training systems and facilities, and the use of the latest technology and scientific methods to improve performance.

Mr Volcère noted that over the years, sports federations and associations have been getting help from the local sports body through annual subsidies to run their programmes, projects and competitions. But in the face of current economic realities, such help will come with strings attached as there will be a need for more judicious use of limited available resources.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of federations and associations to explore funding possibilities and create durable partnerships with corporations as a number of organisations are willing to get involved in sporting ventures, translating them into win-win partnerships.

“Sponsorship arrangements typically make available financial contributions, free services or products, courtesy of the sponsors. Federations and associations must in return ensure that their events are well organised, well advertised, well attended and that the sponsors’ reputation remains intact,” he said.

Corporate sponsors are also being encouraged to use sports as a vehicle for their sales promotions as “investment in sports through sponsorships is money well spent”.

“It helps to promote a healthy society which engages its young people meaningfully, while allowing sponsors to benefit directly from acquiring additional sales opportunities, and an enhanced image with the satisfaction that it would have accomplished its corporate social responsibility,” said Mr Volcère.

He added that there is no time for bickering, excuses and finger-pointing as the challenging times ahead call for solutions, greater networking, unity and solidarity. All players responsible for sports development here have to reflect on their roles to bring about positive changes.

Reaffirming Qatar Airways’ support as a corporate contributor to the development of sports here, the airline’s area manager, Rose-Marie Hoareau, said they are “confident in the boys and girls, men and women whose aspiration, sheer dedication and achievements continue to make their families and Seychelles proud”.

“As a veteran sponsor of sport in Seychelles, I highly recommend the sponsorship of this worthy cause as sport provides our youth with the alternatives to delinquency and inappropriate lifestyles. It promotes good health, family values, discipline, responsibility, community spirit, friendship and so many other good qualities to which our youth and our people as a whole should aspire,” she said.

Mrs Hoareau promised that Qatar Airways will continue its support and also talked about the many benefits sponsors get through sports sponsorship.

Before calling on the business community to play a greater part in advancing sports in Seychelles, Mrs Hoareau thanked all trainers, coaches, physical education instructors and all those involved for their contribution.

G. G.