President Danny Faure has, on behalf of all Seychellois, expressed warm congratulations to Seychellois swimmer, Ms Felicity Passon, for her incredible performance at the 10th Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) taking place in Mauritius.
With her seven gold medals, Passon is the most decorated athlete of the Games. She won gold medals in the 100m backstroke in 1:03.45 (new Games record); 50m butterfly in 28.06 seconds; 50m freestyle in 26.21 second (new Games record); 50m backstroke in 29.47 seconds (new Games record); 100m butterfly in 1:00.69; 200m medley in 2:22.22 (new Games record); and 200 metres backstroke in 2:17.35. On the final day of the 10th IOIG swimming competition at Cote d’Or Swimming Pool today, Ms Passon collected her seventh gold medal which, along with her three silver and a bronze, makes her the best performing Seychellois swimmer in history at this competition.
Ms Passon eclipses the former record held by Ms Shrone Austin, who won seven gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the 7th Games in Madagascar in 2007.
"Congratulations to you for breaking this all-time record. I am sure that this is only the beginning. Seychelles is so proud of you and your outstanding achievement, and I am sure that I am echoing the sentiments of every Seychellois when expressing heartfelt congratulations to you,” said President Faure. "A lot of courage, determination and commitment is required to achieve what you have attained, and I hope that you inspire other young athletes in Seychelles to continue working hard and giving their all. In sport, like in everything else, success comes with hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most importantly, love for what you do," said President Faure.
President Faure also congratulated all other athletes who have been have participated or are participating at the 10th IOIG, thanking them for their hard work and flying the Seychelles' flag high.
"For those still in the competition, I am certain that there will be more victories and medals to come. Rest assure that as one nation we are all supporting you," said the President.
The 10th Indian Ocean Islands Games which opened in Mauritius last Friday, will end on Sunday July 28 2019.