President Danny Faure attended the official sending off ceremony for the 10th Indian Ocean Island Games 2019 held at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday evening.

During the ceremony, the President of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games and International Games Committee, Mr Antonio Gopal, expressed appreciation to all the relevant partners and stakeholders for coming together to ensure the preparations for the games and the final send off ceremony materializes.

Addressing the guests, the Designated Minister and the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, thanked the government for its commitment and continuous support and urged the athletes participating to give their best. She also made a special mention to all the sponsors as well volunteers who have in one way or another contributed to the success so far, and as the country rallies behind the Seychelles Team, took the opportunity to formally wish the athletes best of luck in the upcoming games.

Guests present also witnessed the presentation of IOIG 2019 sports uniforms by the Managing Director of Mauritius Commercial Bank, Mr Bernard Jackson, to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council, Mr Jean Larue. The IOIG athletes displayed the Seychelles Team Uniforms during the ceremony whilst walking to the beat of the Hymn of the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games “Tamtam Dan Zil”.

To conclude the ceremony, President Faure formally handed over the National Flag of Seychelles to the Seychelles Team Flag Bearer and 2018 Sportsman of the Year, Mr Keddy Agnes.

The ceremony was also attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Nicholas Prea, Leader of the Opposition, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, Ministers and other distinguished guests.