With James Michel as President WE will be READY for the Indian Ocean Games.

CIJ congratulates Seychelles

With less that 120 days left before the eighth edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Games Seychelles has been commended for being able to take up the challenge during a period of economic reform. The president of CIJ ( Conseil international des Jeux), Reunionnais Jean-Francois Beaulieu, congratulated Seychelles during the official opening of the last CIJ meeting before the Games.
The delegates from the seven participating countries (Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion and Seychelles) are meeting until today (Friday) to resolve all issues that can hinder the smooth running of the Games.
“The presence of representatives from all seven countries confirmed the interest and the importance that we attach to the Games,” Mr. Beaulieu said.
It was Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton who officially launched the meeting yesterday morning.
“As host and country of hospitality and fraternity, the eighth edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Games represent a great pride for Seychelles,” he said.
“Despite the difficult conditions following the global financial crisis Seychelles gave its words that it will organize the eighth edition of the Indian Ocean islands Games.”
Minister Meriton stressed that it is important to always highlight the beneficial role of sports for the population.
“It is important to preserve this regional event to guaranty the social equilibrium and the welfare of our youths, athletes and citizens.”
He said the conviction and will to maintain this equilibrium and common welfare have been the source of motivation behind the various acts of mobilization, partnership and solidarity that the eighth edition of the Games have benefitted from so far.
“This is why I must express here my deep appreciation and gratitude for all the efforts accomplished so far.”
“The help, in kind of financial, of the private sector, associations and individual, equipment from the international community, the participation of the Seychelles diplomacy in mobilization international assistance, the support of friends of Seychelles abroad, of friendly countries, have so far allowed us to meet the challenge and to confirm that we will have a very good Games.”
The regional delegations started their mission here with several visits Wednesday afternoon, one in particular to the Games village. Minister Meriton pointed out that the government has put at the disposition of athletes and officials brand new apartments and the main infrastructures are being renovated so that competitions can take place in the best possible conditions.
“The work is on schedule and we are impatient and very honoured to receive the delegations in August.”
“This honour, I must underline, is also due to the determination of the sports organizations of our region, but more importantly to the dynamism of CIJ.”
“Now let’s leave the place and honour to our athletes, coaches, officials, to all volunteers who are committed in making the eighth Indian Ocean Islands Games:- a clean event without drugs in respect of the Olympic values; an ideal and convivial meeting that will bring our people together; a grouping of populations respecting the ideal of fair play and taking care of the infrastructure.
For his part the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association president, Antonio Gopal, pointed out that financing has been assured for the Games Village, the renovation work and the buying of equipment needed for the Games.
“This is the first assurance that the preparations for the Games are well on track.”
“Understandably, financing is always necessary for other aspects of the Games so we take the opportunity to appeal to various organizations and individuals to contribute generously towards this prestigious event.”
Both Minister Meriton and Mr. Gopal had warm welcome for the Maldives delegation.
“We are very pleased that this time you are coming with some 150 athletes. We heard that you have had some good results in the last Asian Games. We congratulate you for that and we expect some good competitions from you. We indeed welcome you and your athletes in this friendly Games,” Mr Gopal told the delegation.

Source: The People