President Dr Patrick Herminie Awards Henriette and Payet Top Titles at 39th Seychelles Sports Awards
The President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie on Saturday 28th February, 2026 presented the 2025 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards to bodybuilder Rodney Henriette and judoka Amandah Payet at the 39th Seychelles Sports Awards ceremony.
The honours were conferred during an official event held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, where the President personally handed over the trophies in recognition of the athletes’ performances and their representation of Seychelles at regional, continental and international competitions.
Payet’s victory capped a strong night for judo. Her colleague Alexander Quilindo secured third place in the men’s category, while Nady Jeanne was named Coach of the Year. Junior judoka Emmanuel Batin also claimed a title, giving the discipline multiple top awards.
In the women’s senior category, volleyballer Angelique Adeline placed second and sprinter Natacha Chetty finished third. In the men’s division, boxer Jovanie Bouzin took second place.
In the junior category, weightlifter Sharyna Anthony successfully defended the title she won last year, maintaining her position among the country’s most promising young athletes.
The National Sports Council (NSC) introduced a Special Andi-Sport Award for the first time, marking a step toward greater inclusion in national sport. NSC Chief Executive Officer Marc Arissol described the award as a milestone, underscoring the values of fairness, inclusion and respect within the sporting community.
Derick Andrew of the NSC was one of two recipients of the Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to sport, recognised for providing training to volleyball officials and referees since 1989. Shaji Padayachy, a FIFA assistant referee in football, was voted Best Official. Plaisance Primary School and Praslin Secondary School were named Best Schools.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister for Youth and Sports Kalsey Belle said the government is strengthening governance and financial management mechanisms while increasing support to federations and clubs. She emphasised the need to modernise, protect and properly maintain sports infrastructure, and to invest in school and community programmes where talent is identified and developed. She said the government has set a clear direction for the future of sport in Seychelles and must sustain progress.
The Seychelles Sports Awards, organised annually by the NSC, recognise top-performing athletes across 28 disciplines. This year’s ceremony brought together 112 athletes and remains a key platform for acknowledging excellence and commitment within the national sporting community.
