Minister Belle Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Sports Development on Inner Islands
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Youth and Sports Minister Kalsey Belle has carried out site visits to sports facilities on Praslin and La Digue, placing inclusive sports development at the centre of discussions. The minister aims to ensure athletes across Seychelles have fair access to safe and functional sporting facilities.
This comprehensive assessment of inner island sports infrastructure demonstrates government’s commitment to equitable development and ensuring that talented athletes on Praslin and La Digue receive the support needed to reach their full potential regardless of geographic location.
By meeting with National Sports Council and Seychelles National Youth Council officials based on the two islands, the ministry gathered firsthand information about conditions, challenges, and priorities. Minister Belle toured multiple facilities including the L’Union playing field, the Baby Gym, the NSC offices in the Pension Fund building, the Baie Sainte Anne facility, the Praslin Water Sports Centre, courts at various locations, and the swimming pool at Eve Island.
Minister Belle commended the NSC for maintaining facilities with available resources while acknowledging room for improvement. Several facilities require urgent attention, with renovation and upgrading plans to be incorporated into future budgets. The minister emphasised that seeing conditions firsthand allows for better understanding when staff openly share their concerns and challenges.
The ministry is currently focused on facilitating opportunities for athletes on Praslin and La Digue to develop their potential locally. While sports tourism is an area for future consideration, the immediate priority is upgrading existing facilities and identifying new facilities that districts have expressed desire for.
The government remains committed to bringing facilities up to standards where athletes feel comfortable and safe.
📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc
