XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India – October 3-14-Team Seychelles ready for Delhi |28 September 2010

Community development, youth and sports minister Vincent Meriton led the send-off ceremony yesterday to the nation’s Commonwealth Games team during a special gathering at the International Conference Centre.

Also in attendance were British High Commissioner Matthew Forbes, Indian High Commissioner Asit Kumar Nag, Youth, Sports and Culture principal secretary Denis Rose, National Youth Council  chief executive Idith Alexander, National Sports Council chief executive Alain Volcère, Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) president Antonio Gopal, Socga secretary general Alain Alcindor, representatives of sponsors and chairpersons of sports federations and associations.

Minister Meriton said that these Games are perhaps the most prestigious event of the Commonwealth in terms of its sheer size, appeal and impact as citizens of member states come together in unity to celebrate shared sporting and cultural heritage.

On expressing the Seychelles government’s appreciation to India for hosting the Games, Mr Meriton, who will be in Delhi to cheer the athletes,  said that “it is not easy for any country, let alone a developing one, to organise a mega sporting event such as the Commonwealth Games. But India bravely took up the challenge.”

He added that despite the numerous criticisms about India’s readiness to receive its 7,000 guests from 71 countries, India would have proven that it can rise to the challenge and do its level best to ensure that all participants have an enjoyable stay in Delhi.”

Socga president Gopal asked the athletes and officials to stay focus and to concentrate on their competition to make themselves and Seychelles proud.

“Participating in the Games is in itself a milestone,” said Mr Gopal who thanked all the sponsors for making the trip a success.

He later gave tokens of appreciation to representatives of Vijay Construction Vish Kidao and Cable & Wireless chief executive Charles Hammond, and Minister Meriton.

For his part, Mr Nag told the athletes that they will be accorded the characteristic excellent Indian hospitality while in Delhi and added that they represent the hopes and aspirations of the Seychellois people.

Swimmer Ron Roucou thanked the Seychelles government and Socga for giving all athletes the opportunity to compete in the Games and promised that they will all give their best to make Seychelles proud.

Seychelles will be represented in seven sports disciplines – track & field athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, swimming, table tennis and weightlifting – at the Games.

The 28 athletes who will leave Seychelles tomorrow for Delhi  are Alice Khan, Lissa Labiche, Danny D’Souza, Neddy Marie, William Woodcock (track & field athletics), Juliette Ah-Wan, Georgie Cupidon, Alisen Camille, Kervin Ghislain and Steve Malcouzane (badminton), Andrique Allisop, Jovette Jean (boxing), Andy Rose, Francis Louis (cycling), Shannon Austin, Ryan Govinden, Shane Mangroo, Ron Roucou, Adam Viktora (swimming), Anniessa Benstrong, Janice Mellie, Anil Nibourette, Godfrey Sultan (table tennis), Clementina Agricole, Janet Georges, Katsia Télémaque, Terrence Dixie and Charles Siméon (weightlifting).

The officials on the Seychelles team are Minister Meriton, honorable guest Denis Rose, Mr Gopal, Mr Alcindor, chef de mission Paddye Magill, team manager Donald Celestine, sports doctor Kenneth Sherwin, Wilfred Adrien, Eugène Ernesta (athletics), Barnsley Albert, Mervin Austin (swimming), William Dixie, Reginald Estro (weightlifting), Gerald Bibi, Michel Bau (badminton), Jack Bonne, Rival Payet (boxing), Lucas Georges, Sam Rignace (cycling), Peter Youpa and Istvan Chikan (table tennis).

Giovanna Rousseau (athletics) and Priscilla Kinloch (swimming) have also been selected to officiate at the Games.
Sportsman of the Year Steve Malcouzane will carry the flag in the opening ceremony in Delhi.

Some athletes paraded in uniform to be worn during different occasions at the Games.

G. G.