On Thursday 12th October 2023, the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee (MYSCC), led by Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, paid a visit to the Seychelles National Sports Council (NSC) with the intention of following up on previous visits and checking the status of the ongoing development to the facilities. Hon. Woodcock was accompanied by the Vice-Chairperson Hon. Phillip Arissol, Hon. Conrad Gabriel, Hon. Flory Larue, Hon. Wilbert Herminie, and Hon. Sathya Naidu. Providing assistance was Committee Secretary Mr. Vincent Quatre, and Public Relations Manager Ms. Angelique Hill.
Attending the site visit was the CEO of the NSC Mr. Marc Arrisol, NSC Project Liaison Officer Ms. Gyra Nibourette, NSC Assistant Project Liaison Officer Ms. Marie-Lise Lucas, Director of Competitive Aquatic Sports Ms. Farah Aziz, Principal Sports Officer (Swimming Pool) Mrs. Prisheila Kinloch, NSC Senior Communications Officer Mr. Guilly Jean, Facilities Manager Mr. Hansward Kilindo, Director General of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) Ms. Dorothy Henriette, and SIA Project Manager Ms. Rachel Ernesta.
The site visit began at the Palais des Sports, which is undergoing a multi-phase process of development, where the CEO outlined the ongoing developments and the delays experienced in construction due to a variety of reasons including training and preparation ahead of the 2023 Jeux Des Îles de L’Ocean Indien earlier this year. This was followed by a visit to the tennis courts, which were in a visible state of disrepair. The NSC delegation explained that the materials necessary for the renovation of the courts had been purchased and development was upcoming, as well as having plans to construct additional courts in the future.
Following this was a visit to the Roche Caiman Swimming Pools, particularly the Filtration Plant which had recently been fitted with new systems and technology. While these new systems were operating efficiently, it was found that further renovations would be needed for the surrounding infrastructure.
Lastly, the Committee visited Stad Linite which was in the process of renewing the athletic running track (tartan track). The NSC explained plans to renovate the changing rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, and VIP Seating areas. The NSC informed the committee that the old tartan track had been fully removed and disposed of, and that now they were awaiting the new materials to begin the laying of the new track. The Stad Linite Astroturf football pitch had already been renovated to full operating standards with financial support from FIFA. NSC also discussed the need to implement waterproofing measures throughout the existing infrastructure to ensure its longevity and elevate the standards of the stadium.
These visits concluded with a meeting in which the committee was able to question the delegation and discuss the upcoming developmental changes. These discussions included health and safety, the allocation of resources, and the need for the entire sports complex to continually adhere to international standards and follow the direction of accredited organisations. Hon. Woodcock assured NSC that they had the full support of the Committee as these developments move forward, and the fruitful meeting came to a close.
