President James Michel said this after visiting the Games Village on Ile Persévérance yesterday afternoon.

Mr Michel was accompanied by Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton, who is also the Games’ organising bureau chairman; Youth and Sports principal secretary Denis Rose; Land Use and Housing principal secretary Christian Lionnet; principal secretary for Presidential Affairs Lise Bastienne; Games’ commissioner Eric Arnephie; National Sports Council chief executive Alain Volcère and other people involved in the organisation of the Games.

“I’m happy to see that everything’s on track and I’m optimistic that we will be ready to welcome our guests and host one of the best Games,” President Michel told the media at the end of his one-hour tour.

Visiting the various facilities in place

“Seychellois athletes should give their best during the Games and make our country feature high on the medals’ table. Our people have a lot of faith in you and expect a lot from you. You must now show them what you are capable of,” Mr Michel said.

“Your success at the Games is a victory for every Seychellois,” he added.
The President said he is impressed with the work done on the houses, the desalination plant being built, the road network in place and the new kitchen he visited.

“The Games will leave a legacy for Seychellois people who will enjoy all these facilities later on. Thumbs up to Minister Meriton, members of the organising committee and all volunteers for all the hard work put into the realisation of these projects,” he said.

He also congratulated all who have contributed financially to help the organising committee reach the R42 million target through different fundraising activities.

“It’s nice to see that a lot of people have made financial contributions. Even young children have taken money from their piggy banks to give towards the realisation of the Games. This shows a sense of patriotism and is indeed a victory for Seychelles.”