President James Michel has handed over the national flag to the Seychelles Olympics team who will be taking part in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5-21.

Mr Michel presented the flag to Seychelles’ flag bearer at the games, Rodney Govinden, in a ceremony at the State House yesterday morning, where the Seychelles delegation were presented to the president.

President Michel congratulated the athletes for being selected for such a major international multi-sport event and called on them to make Seychelles proud.

“It is a unique opportunity given to you to represent your country at such an important event. Try your best to fly high the Seychelles flag and why not bring home a gold medal. What is also important is your participation at these Olympic Games and I am sure that you will strive for the best result and make Seychelles proud. I wish all of you the best of luck and success,” said President Michel at the sending off ceremony.

During the ceremony, the athletes also presented Mr Michel with a trophy of appreciation for his contributions toward the Seychelles Team to Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Speaking to the media, flag bearer Govinden said: “For me this is a big honour, as since the 2000s when I was looking at the games on TV I saw the pride of young athletes carrying their country’s flag and I feel very proud to be the flag bearer for Seychelles.”

He added that the president gave them some words of encouragement and urged them to give all they can to proudly represent their country.

The Seychelles delegation feature 10 athletes, which is one of our biggest teams yet, and comprise the flag bearer and Laser sailor Rodney Govinden, Finn sailor Allan Julie, windsurfer Jean-Marc Gardette, boxer Andrique Allisop, judoka Dominic Dugasse, weightlifter Rick Confiance, swimmers Alexus Laird and Adam Viktora and track & field athletes Ned Azemia and Lissa Labiche.

This year’s Olympic athletes have been promised a whopping one million rupees if they manage to win the country’s first ever gold medal at these games and Rodney said that is definitely a big boost to the team’s morale ahead of the games as it provides further incentive for the athletes to give their best for their country.

Team Seychelles’ official send-off ceremony was held later yesterday at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS).

Forrás: www.nation.sc