President France Albert Rene took a break from his holiday at the weekend to send a message of congratulations to the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year 2002, Allan Julie and Janet Thelermont.

The two athletes were crowned during a glittering Sports Awards of the Year ceremony which took place on Friday January 24,  evening,  at the SMB Exhibition Hall, Roche Caiman.

A communiqué from the President's Office said the Head of State, in his message, made special mention of Julie's feat of winning the title three consecutive times.  He said Julie was a supreme example of how sportsmen and women needed perseverance to stay on top.

Mr Rene, himself a frequent guest at the annual crowning of the best athletes ceremony, learned of the 2002 awards Saturday January 25, morning,  during a telephone conversation with the Vice-President, Mr James Michel.

The President's message included a mention of all sportsmen and women who reached the top of their sport in 2002.

The President is expected back in the country at the end of next week after a four-week break.

He is expected to deliver his annual State of the Nation address in the last week of February.

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