Winners of the Sports Awards 2023

The winners and their representatives with President Wavel Ramkalawan and Minister Zialor. (Seychelles News Agency)

Winners of the Sports Awards 2023

Keddy Agnes and Felicity Passon were named Seychelles’ Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for 2023.

Boxer Keddy Agnes and swimmer Felicity Passon have claimed the titles of Seychelles’ Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for 2023.

Despite their absence at Friday’s Sports Award ceremony, both athletes were represented by their mothers, who accepted their prestigious awards from Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan. The ceremony took place at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel.

Agnes, the standout local boxer, enjoyed a remarkable 2023, securing a gold medal at the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) and a silver medal at the African Championships in Cameroon. Additionally, he achieved a commendable third-place finish at the Olympic qualification tournament in Senegal.

Presently, Agnes is abroad, participating in an Olympic Games qualifying tournament. Following this, he will represent Seychelles at the African Games scheduled to be held in Accra, Senegal next week. This marks Agnes’s second win of the Sportsman of the Year award, having previously claimed the honor in 2018.

Passon successfully defended her title, which she earned in 2019, following a challenging period where her return to the sport was exceptionally impressive.

At the recent Indian Ocean Island Games in Madagascar, Passon made a triumphant comeback, securing one gold, eight silver, and two bronze medals.

The Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards ceremony is an annual event in Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, celebrating athletes who have demonstrated excellence in their respective sports disciplines, as recognized by their federations and associations.

Sports Awards – People’s Choice Award

A noteworthy inclusion in this year’s event was the introduction of a people’s choice award organized by Inside Seychelles, enabling the public to cast their votes for their preferred athletes. Long-distance runner Iven Moise achieved a historic milestone by securing this award, indicating the public’s recognition of his remarkable performances in 2023.

Moise’s achievements included winning two gold medals at the IOIG and securing 5th place in the 5000m race at the Jeux de la Francophonie in Kinshasa, Congo. Despite his absence, his award was accepted by his wife on his behalf.

There were also accolades presented to young athletes. Windsurfer Jules Kandasamy received the Best Young Male Athlete award for his breakthrough in 2023, highlighted by his impressive second-place finish overall in the Under 15 boys’ junior category at the PWA Youth & Junior Slalom World Cup in Alacati, Turkey.

In the female category, young swimmer Angelina Smythe was honored with the Best Young Female Athlete award. Smythe’s standout performance in 2023 included winning two silver medals at the Hamilton Summer Sizzler Dubai and securing a bronze medal at the IOIG.

Acknowledgments extended to the coaching realm as well, with boxing coach Rival Payet, mentor to the newly crowned Sportsman of the Year, claiming the Best Coach award. Meanwhile, football referee Hansley Petrousse was recognized as the Official of the Year.

During her address at the ceremony, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Family Affairs Marie-Celine Zialor emphasized the importance of recognition and discipline, reminding the athletes of their role model status for the youth of Seychelles.

“I think it’s important for us to understand the sacrifices that these athletes make,” she said.  “For them to get here, they have to compete against others and come out as the best. They leave their families, to compete during the weekends and to go overseas, and they even suffer a lot physically and are even criticised if they fail to perform. This is why this event is held, where all that they go through, can be rewarded,” Zialor concluded.

With the awards ceremony concluded, many athletes now return to training as Seychelles prepares for the upcoming African Games, set to commence on March 8.

Edited by: J.R

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