Eighth Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) in Seychelles in 2011
10.08.2009
‘All contributions are welcome’ says Albert
SEYCHELLES can organise a successful Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) and probably the best in 2011, according to fund-raising committee chairman Joseph ‘Joe’ Albert.
Speaking after Friday’s unveiling of the games bureau (COJI) and fund-raising committee members by Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Vincent Meriton at the Stad Linite conference room, Mr Albert said the private sector should make the most of this opportunity to work alongside the Seychelles government to make the Games a success.
The fund-raising committee needs to raise R41 million and its chief is confident it can meet the target.
“We will make sure we raise the money required to organise the Games, but sportsmen and women should have no excuse when the time comes for them to compete and get the results expected of them,” said Mr Albert.
The fund-raising committee chief added that every Seychellois is proud of who he or she is and should rally behind this cause for Seychelles.
“Some people might say it is not the right time for Seychelles to host the Games now that the country is going through the economic reforms. But we have to understand that the money will not come from the government’s purse, but from donors and sponsors – both local and international. All contributions are welcome.
“It’s not important how much you contribute. It’s the gesture that counts. I’m confident my team will raise the R41 million needed to finance the organisation of the games,” he added.
Fund-raising committee co-chair Marc Houareau said: “We accepted the task because we feel we can do a good job despite the actual economic difficulties.”
“We will target big companies and get them to pledge the money over the three taxable years – 2009, 2010 and 2011. This way, it will be easier for them to donate large sums in installments.
“It’s good to convince people and companies to donate money, but we need to let them know how the money is being spent.
“Remember, the fourth IOIG in 1993 were fantastic and we need to do even better in 2011,” added Houareau, who plays squash.
Giovanna Rousseau is the fund-raising committee secretary, while the members are Dolor Ernesta, A. J. Shah, Mary Geers and Selby Pillay.
G. G.