The Mauritian delegation which will go to the Olympic Games in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8 was officially presented on Saturday by the Mauritian Olympic Committee, local representative of the International Olympic Committee, the highest Olympic body in the world, during a ceremony which took place at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.
Philippe Hao Thyn Voon Ha Shun, President of the COM, His Excellency Shuichiro Kawaguchi, Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius, and the Honorable Stephan Toussaint, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, spoke successively at this traditional presentation ceremony. According to the President of COM, “the Olympics will be an opportunity for Mauritian athletes to shine and show their worth to the world, but above all, they will have the mission to make the country proud by showing fighting spirit and sportsmanship. Let’s not forget that the rules will be extremely strict, and we cannot afford to deviate from them.
Speaking in his turn, the Japanese ambassador made it clear that, “all athletes and participants should feel comfortable in Tokyo and not apprehended by the Covid-19 as the Japanese authorities have formulated strict guidelines aimed at ensuring safe and secure environments for you”.
According to Stephan Toussaint, “the world is facing the difficulties caused by the Covid-19. This year’s Olympic Games will be completely different. Our solidarity is our strength. The Mauritian people and especially the Mauritian athletes are stronger than Covid-19. Go Mauritius! ”
The delegation, consisting of 22 people (including athletes and officials), will be represented by weightlifter Roilya Ranaivosoa and boxer Richarno Colin, who were both named flag bearers this week. During the presentation, these two athletes wore the official costume that will be worn by all members of the delegation at the opening ceremony of the Games. Boxer Merven Clair and young swimmer Alicia Kok Shun presented the official track suit of the Mauritian team for the Olympics.
The event ended with the presentation of the official mascot of the Games by the Japanese ambassador and the distribution of accreditations to all members of the delegation by Hedley Han, Chef de Mission of the Mauritian team in Tokyo.
“One month before the big day, we are ready, officials and athletes, to make the pride of our island on the biggest playing field of the world,” said Philippe Hao Thyn Voon Ha Shun during the presentation.
