Ninth Indian Ocean Island Games – Reunion |01 August 2015

It is normal for athletes to face difficulties at first, says Minister Meriton

It is normal for teams to face some difficulties at all international competitions and these issues are expected to be sorted out soon.

Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton said this to Sports Nation in Saint Denis, Reunion, host country of the ninth Indian Ocean Island Games.

“It is normal at any major games like this one, that at the start there are a few difficulties, but what is important is that everyone responsible for the different teams liaise with the organisers to get everything in order,” said Minister Meriton.

The minister stated that they have been sorting out issues about transport and training facilities as well as making arrangements for athletes to be able to do some fitness training during the games.

“These issues are mostly things we have expected, but in general I believe by working through these issues we can have everything sorted out so that the games go on without any major incident,” he added.

Minister Meriton also said they have made arrangement to ensure the safety of under-aged athletes so as to avoid any incident.

Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) president Antonio Gopal commented that it’s unfortunate some people are making a mountain out of a molehill.

“There are some petty issues and some people are blowing them up for whatever reason. We’ve been to Games where there have been more problems,” said Mr Gopal.

Mr Gopal also explained that to help with the smooth running of things at the games, the games organising committee will be meeting almost every day to discuss matters brought to its attention by the athletes through their heads of delegation.

Sedrick Nicette in Saint Denis