President James Michel officially opened and unveiled the plaque for the new Eve Island swimming pool in a special ceremony held yesterday afternoon on Praslin. The construction of swimming pool is a corporate social responsibility project between the government and Vijay Construction on the reclaimed land of Eve Island. The Swimming pool is 25 metres and up to standard as per the International Swimming Federation to host short course competition.
The President said that the opening of this sports infrastructure signifies the government's commitment to the development of the youths. He commended Mr. Vijay Patel for taking up the initiative in joining in partnership with the government as well as the staff of the National Sports Council (NSC) for their hard work in the realisation of this facility. He further noted that this facility will help the youths from Praslin and La Digue to learn how to swim without having to go to Mahe, which will be an advantage in their development especially in the realisation of the Blue Economy concept.
"I believe that today we have witnessed the realisation of another plan for Praslin which in itself represents another accomplishment for the benefit of the youths of Praslin, La Digue and all Seychellois. This shows why we should give a lot of importance to the development of young people in sports as it helps them to progress in all aspects in order to become good citizens in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Vijay Patel who has played an important role on the side of private sector in partnership with the government to build sports infrastructure," said President Michel.
During his address, the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports, Mr. Vincent Meriton said the opening of the Eve Island swimming pool forms part a very important project for the community and he noted that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. He added that NSC and the Seychelles Swimming Association are working closely with the Ministry of Education towards making every child a swimmer by the age of 10.
"Recreational infrastructure such as this one, improves community facilities and services, contributes to building prosperous communities and provides a place for families and neighbours to gather together for a healthy cause, well away from substance abuse and social malaise. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise because it engages almost all your body parts in an environment that does not stress your joints. It provides an aerobic exercise that has a range of health benefits. Indeed swimming is the mother of all exercises. For children too it has a lot of benefits, as well as being a fun form of exercise that should be introduced at an early age. It is for this reason that in most countries with facilities to teach swimming, it is a compulsory part of the education curriculum," said Minister Meriton.
As part of the ceremony, the Coordinator of the Children's Special Fund, Mrs. Doreen Monthy presented a brand new 30-seater bus to transport school children, worth a million rupees to the Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mrs. Giovanna Rousseau.
The President unveiled the commemoration plaque accompanied by Mr. Vijay Patel and the ceremony was witnessed by the Vice-Chairman of Seychelles Swimming Association, Mr. Kenny Roberts.
Editor's Note:
Also present at the ceremony was:
Minister for Health – Mrs. Mitcy Larue
Member of the National Assembly for the Baie Ste Anne Praslin district, Honourable Nathasia Esther
Member of the National Assembly for the Grand Anse Praslin district, Honourable Marc Volcere
Secretary General of SOCGA – Mr. Hughes Adam
Chairman & members NSC board
CEO NSC – Giovanna Rousseau
SSA Executive Committee members
CEOs and representatives from the Private Sectors
District Administrators