SPORTS help bring people together and Seychellois, who have always been known to be a sports-loving people, have a reputation of bringing their support to local sportsmen and women during top competitions.

This has been proven often times, but the one occasion which remains vivid in everyone's mind is the fourth edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) which the country hosted in 1993.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life, regardless of the colour of their skin, religious belief and political affiliation, rallied behind our athletes to give them their most heartfelt support during these Games.

With the sixth edition of the Games to be held in Mauritius from August 29 to September 7 fast approaching, sports enthusiasts as well as the whole nation are being urged once again to come together to give local sportsmen and women the encouragement they truly deserve.

All those who want to be part of the fun can join the new IOIG Supporters Club which has just been launched.

The club, chaired by Mr Seraphin Madeleine, is looking to recruit a minimum of 150 supporters who will travel to Mauritius as an organised group to support our athletes during the Games.

The main aims of the club are to organise the supporters into a cheerful, strong, vocal and disciplined group to support the efforts of our sportsmen and women; to let the other participants and spectators of the Games appreciate our culture; and to promote the Seychellois joie-de-vivre and culture of peace and harmony.

According to Mr Madeleine, the IOIG Supporters Club will discuss with local airline Air Seychelles and with hotels in Mauritius in order to obtain the best possible rates for its members.

"Members of the club will have to pay for their own airfares, accommodation and other costs in Mauritius, but we will discuss with Air Seychelles and hotels in Mauritius to get reduced rates," explained Mr Madeleine, before adding that members should also have their own pocket money.

"People who would like to look for their own place to stay while in Mauritius will be free to do so as long as they provide a contact number or address," he said.

"We don't have specific criteria in recruiting members but we will not accept anyone

who will do or cause any acts detrimental or prejudicial to the club."

He stressed that "no members shall misbehave at any sports venues or break any rules set up by the club while in Mauritius. In any case of misbehaviour, membership shall be discontinued."

Mr Madeleine also noted that the club will remain active even after the IOIG.

"The club will remain active even after the Games because in future local athletes will take part in competitions organised locally or internationally and they will be needing our support."

The club has for vice-chairman Mrs Marie-France Bristol while Mr Richard Hallock is the secretary.

All those who would like to join the club can contact Mrs Marie-France Bristol on 722479, Mr Seraphin Madeleine on 722953 or Mr Richard Hallock on 261479. They can also collect registration forms from their respective district administration office.

The deadline for registration is February 15.