No spirit without sports |04 January 2010

As always, Seychellois sportsmen and women should train hard for a huge season as they have the potential to make a real tilt at the many titles up for grabs locally and internationally.

Some may say that we are entering the realms of sporting fantasy, but it would be wonderful to see Seychellois athletes compete with pride to shock the world with a victory to finish on the highest step of the podium for the first time at the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, from October 3-14.

The arrival of the queen’s baton yesterday is the lead-up to the second biggest multi-sports event after the summer Olympic Games.

Although a lot of emphasis will be on building towards reaping success at the eighth IOIG in 2011, Seychellois athletes must be given the chance to have a strong 2010 by rubbing shoulders with the best in a measured way if they are to make the step up to the next level and make the country proud.

With the country’s limited resources, local athletes must make the most of all opportunities given to them. 

The first Olympic Youth Games in Singapore from August 14-26 and the seventh Jeux de la Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) in Reunion from July 30 to August 6 should provide potential Seychellois youngsters with the chance to excel and make a name for themselves and Seychelles.

This year again, the sports community counts on sponsorships from its partners from the private sector. Without their valuable help, Seychelles sports progress could hit a bad patch.
This is not what we want to happen here...
 
Sports have become an integral part of Seychelles society and our people are sports crazy.
They want to see local teams and individuals succeed. For them it’s like they are part of the success.
The same is also true of the sponsors.

Many sponsors like to be associated with sports that have already earned success, but it would be appreciated if they back the up-and-coming ones that receive less publicity but are striving hard to establish themselves.

The success of Seychelles’ sports depends on all athletes, and it’s only through hard work that they can reach the level expected of them.

Sports have always been a passion for the whole of mankind.
There’s no spirit without sports! 

G. G.