Ninth Indian Ocean Island Games – Reunion - Athletes ready to fight for honours despite early disappointments |01 August 2015

The Seychelles delegation at the Indian Ocean Island Games has settled in at the games village in Saint Denis, Reunion, and although many athletes are unhappy with the overall conditions they have said they are ready to fight for honours.

Upon our visit to the athletes’ village yesterday morning, we were able to speak to a few athletes and they gave us their impressions so far and most of them were far from impressed with their accommodation and other issues inside the village.

We ran into a group of weightlifters on their way back into the village and a disappointed Romeo Simeon said they have not yet been able to train as they have still not been given any training area.

“So far everyone concerned is saying they do not know anything although the other teams have started training,” said Simeon.

The lifters also pointed out that their sleeping quarters are far from comfortable, as it has limited space.

We were also able to talk to national football team manager Michel Albert who complained about the fact that the coaches are unable to stay with their athletes as the coaches are staying in a separate building. He added that the dormitories are very small and dirty.

He did, however, state that training has gone on well, something some of the players have also agreed.

The badminton players were on their way to their first training session and we managed to get Juliette Ah-Wan for a quick word and she also voiced her discontent.

“Frankly we were surprised at the size of the room we have to share with another person as it is quite small,” she explained.

Ah-Wan added that the quality of food being served is not good and that they are also being made to drink tea in bowls instead of cups.

Some athletes also commented that they are not allowed to eat more than one fruit.

Cyclist Fadi Confiance said despite the issues they are facing the cycling team are well prepared for the competition and they hope to do well.

The following photos were taken by our photographer Patrick Joubert at the Games’ Village yesterday morning.

Sedrick Nicette and Patrick Joubert in saint Denis