With the countdown to the 2025 Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games nearing its end, young weightlifters from Seychelles are preparing to step onto the platform with renewed confidence, thanks in part to the unwavering support of their local sporting community.
In a ceremony held on Monday afternoon, the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA) extended vital support to the Seychelles Weightlifting Federation (SWF) by equipping its junior athletes with performance-enhancing gear.
The provision includes weightlifting belts, specialised footwear, and team apparel, all of which are tailored to support the athletes during the regional competition.
Weightlifting belts play a vital role in the sport, offering crucial support to the lower back and core muscles during strenuous lifts. This support enhances intra-abdominal pressure and stabilises the spine, potentially improving lifting performance and decreasing injury risks.
Additionally, the specially designed lifting shoes provide a better grip and stability, further helping to prevent injuries during weight training.
Robert Rose, the chairman of the SWF, accepted the equipment donation on behalf of the federation from Alain Alcindor, President of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA), in a brief ceremony at the Olympic House in Roche Caiman.
“These will certainly aid our team, as the young athletes will wear this equipment during the CJSOI Games,” said Rose, noting that preparations for the competition have been proceeding smoothly.
“We know we achieved gold and silver medals last time, but this time we are aiming for even greater success, especially since we’ll be competing on home soil,” Rose added.
The team, comprising four boys and one girl, will represent Seychelles in a sport where the nation has always been a force. At the 2022 edition of the Games, local lifters brought home gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Notably, Josta Meriton earned the gold medal in the girls’ +64kg category, while Leeam Robert took home silver in the boys’ +67kg category, and ShangithaNaragayan clinched bronze in the girls’ +64kg event.
The 2025 CJSOI Games will officially commence this Saturday, with weightlifting competitions scheduled to begin on Sunday afternoon.
Alongside weightlifting, the games will showcase a variety of sports, including athletics, football, swimming, badminton, volleyball, judo, basketball, and yachting. The event aims to empower young people, promote cultural exchange, and foster friendships among the participating nations.
