Islands show discontent towards changes |06 August 2015

It is clear that this year’s Indian Ocean Island Games have been riddled with issues, from Comoros walking out on opening ceremony to Reunion withdrawing from the women’s volleyball competition after the disqualification of one of their players.

But people following the events in Reunion have been united in voicing their discontent towards some of the changes.

The biggest show of solidarity, even from Reunionnais, has been coming when athletes carry their country’s medal onto the podium to receive their medals.

The Comité International des Jeux (CIJ) took a decision earlier this week that there will be no more flag raising ceremony for medalists and the winning country’s national anthems will no longer be played at the venues.

Therefore, when Seychellois Clementina Agricole refused to give away her Seychelles flag, which the organisers tried to take away from her, it was met with tremendous applause at the Gymnase de Moufia in Saint Denis. Soon, others followed suit as they were also applauded for their decision not to follow the new rules that few agree with.

One Reunion spectator told Sports Nation that this is supposed to be a game of friendship and respect between the islands and these changes do nothing to help maintain good relationship especially the future of the games.

In the Dojo Régionale where the judo competition is taking place, there was also a resounding disagreement with the changes and the spectators decided to take it upon themselves to sing their nations’ national anthems during the medal presentation ceremonies.

To show their harmony, the other nations’ supporters applauded while the others sang their heart out with pride.

As always, such games bring with it a lot of emotions and despite all the issues being faced in Reunion, it is clear that all the nations stand as one. We hope all will end on a better note...

Sedrick Nicette in Reunion