"THE 20th edition of the Sports Awards of the Year crowning ceremony will live on in the history of Seychelles sports as 2003 was a remarkable year in the development of sports here. It showed the importance sports play in the lives of young Seychellois and its potential to unite our nation."

This was said by Ms Sylvette Pool, the Minister for Local Government, Sports and Culture, during the Sports Awards of the Year 2003 crowning ceremony on Friday night (January 23), at the SMB Exhibition Hall, Roche Caïman, during which best sportsmen and women across all disciplines were honoured for their achievements.

Minister Pool congratulated all athletes chosen as the best in their respective sports, adding that through the regional and continental games, Seychellois sportsmen and women earned the admiration of the whole nation and showed why the Seychelles government invested in their development.

Minister Pool, who has been responsible for sports for more than 11 years now, thanked parents of athletes, sponsors, coaches and supporters for their valuable contributions in the development of Seychelles sports and asked them to continue giving their very best so that Seychelles sports reach new heights.

The minister also talked about the re-organisation of the Sports Division, the launching of the Coaches' Accreditation Scheme and said that the work of the Games' Evaluation Committee, which she chairs, had reached its final stage.

In line with President France Albert Rene's dedication of 2004 as the Year of Morale Renaissance, Minister Pool said that "sports having always promoted peace, love, unity, respect, discipline and fair play, she hoped that these values would continue to live on in the different communities and in our country."

She also told all athletes that because they are seen as a source of inspiration, they should promote all the good values of sports, noting that success depends on sacrifices, determination and commitment on the part of every sportsmen and women.

Minister Pool, who thanked Vice-President James Michel for his understanding and co-operation, noted that the Seychelles Government will continue to invest in the development of sports here so that Seychellois sportsmen and women get to develop their skills to the maximum.

G. G.