Athletics: Fifth Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon - 28.02.2012
No record for Zapha, mix-up in results
The Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon promotes the country in the sports tourism field, allowing visitors to appreciate the pristine environment and the beauty of our islands, sports minister Vincent Meriton has said.
He was addressing guests on Sunday night at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay resort during the traditional Korean gala dinner which officially marked the end of the marathon followed by the prize-giving ceremony.
Social Development and Culture Minister Bernard Shamlaye, Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Minister Peter Sinon, secretary of state Barry Faure who is also the chairman of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), chief executive of the STB Alain St Ange, Seychelles honorary consul in Korea and chairman of the Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon Dong Chang Jeong were among the guests at the event which also promotes the Seychelles - Korea friendly ties.
Minister Meriton, who along with Messrs Sinon, Shamlaye and Faure took part in the marathon, said the event also gives visitors the chance to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Seychellois people.
He added that the main objectives of the marathon are to ensure that local as well as international runners put their talents and abilities to the test and also to promote cultural exchanges.
He also said the event is the perfect way to bring families together and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
For his part, Mr Jeong, who initiated the event, said he was very happy the fifth marathon was a great success.
He explained that the main idea behind introducing the event was to boost the country’s tourism development and also to strengthen the unity between the two people.
Mr Jeong also promised to continue in his effort to promote Seychelles worldwide through the event.
He also thanked all those who took part as well as those who worked on the technical side to make it happen.
On behalf of the STB, Mr St Ange thanked all those who helped in a way or another to make the event a success.
He described the marathon as an example of how Seychelles is making full use of its many attributes to raise the profile of the islands and build a bridge linking to other cultures for mutual benefits.
He added that the event also emphasises the theme of ‘the melting pot of cultures’ as it brings together people of many different nationalities and demonstrates the solidarity and friendship that today’s fractured world needs so badly.
Mr St Ange emphasised that the marathon illustrates how Seychelles is still looking to further define itself and the word of a Seychelles holiday experience by constantly exploring possibilities of new activities.
This year’s Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon attracted 745 runners aged between five and 77 years.
Other than the top finishers, race director Giovanna Rousseau was also rewarded for her continuous dedication and commitment towards the event since it started in 2008.
Other than the top finishers, race director Giovanna Rousseau was also rewarded for her continuous dedication and commitment towards the event since it started in 2008.
R. D.
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