The ANOCA Zone 7 Games were a well-attended event held from 6 to 11 May, 2024, a competition that testified to ANOCA’s commitment to the furtherance of the values of Olympism, through various themes, including “qualities of body, will and mind, team spirit, fair play, joy of effort, practice of respect and pursuit of excellence”- a combination of ingredients that spiced up athletes’ participation in these Zone 7 Games.
While opening the Games, Antonio GOPAL, President of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA) said:
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the unifying power of sport. Sport transcends barriers of history, origin, religion and economic status, uniting us in the same spirit… It is with great satisfaction that we finally celebrate this moment. Financial resources were in no way an obstacle to the holding of these Games. Today, we stand united, celebrating together thanks to the efforts and diligence of all those involved in preparing this event; my warmest thanks go to the Organising Committee. We wish our athletes an exciting and convivial competition. Share your cultures and experience great moments in a spirit of unity. We can only triumph together – in solidarity. To our sports visitors, I urge you to enjoy the splendid beaches of our islands once the competitions are over. I declare these Games officially open.”
For the first time, the Games schedule featured four sports disciplines, unlike in the past when both Mauritius and Seychelles organised competitions in a single sports discipline for ANOCA Zone 7 countries.
The four sports included: swimming, basketball (3×3), beach volleyball and table tennis. SOCGA worked hard to create an enabling environment for an elite competition, as was seen during this competition. Zone 7 is made up of the National Olympic Committees of Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Djibouti and Seychelles.
“Initially, we wanted to have swimming, table tennis, and athletics since last year, but that was delayed as we waited for the track and field facilities to be renovated. Since that has not happened, we decided to replace athletics with 3×3 basketball and beach volleyball,” explained SOCGA Secretary General Alain Alcindor.
The Games were reserved for -18 athletes. In all, each delegation had 32 delegates, including the NOC Presidents who, while in Seychelles, also attended the ANOCA Zone 7 meeting.
The ANOCA Zone 7 Games 2024 ended on Friday, 10 May 2024. After four days of competition, Team Seychelles finished third overall on 24 points with its young swimmers leading the way, garnering 27 medals – 7 gold, 5 silver and 15 bronze.
Team Madagascar topped the overall rankings with 40 medals, followed by Mauritius in second place with 32 medals. The Big Island aced it in table tennis and 3×3 basketball. Followed by Seychelles, Comoros and Djibouti tailing the charts.
“We were so warmly welcomed in the Seychelles in this first edition of the ANOCA Games. The Games are based on a rotation system, and it was Madagascar’s turn to host Zone 7 and organise the tournament. We are now waiting for the official decision to be taken after the zonal meeting, and if Madagascar is designated to host the next games, the Big Island will also decide on the disciplines for the event,” said Jean Claude RELAHA, Head of the Malagasy delegation.
Madagascar was finally chosen to host the next Zone 7 Games.
SOCGA President Antonio GOPAL in his closing remarks:
“Dear athletes, officials, members of the organising committee, partners and fans of the ANOCA Zone 7 Games, on behalf of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, I would like to express my profound gratitude to each and every one of you for making these games memorable. Let me begin by extending my warmest thanks to the athletes who competed with passion, determination and fair play throughout this competition. Your outstanding performances have inspired us and won the admiration of an entire nation.
Many thanks to the officials and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that these games took place in the best possible conditions. Your dedication and professionalism ensured the success of this major sports event. I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of the Organising Committee for their hard work in making these games a reality. Their unwavering commitment was the driving force behind the success of this edition of the ANOCA Zone 7 Games. Finally, a special thank you to our invaluable partners, who supported these games in a significant way, especially ANOCA, which has contributed greatly to this event, and to the general public, for their support throughout the competitions. Together, we lived moments of intense competition, friendship and solidarity that will remain etched on our memories for years to come. Thank you all for your contribution to the success of the ANOCA Zone 7 Games. May the Olympic spirit continue to shine in our hearts and unite us beyond borders!”
He also received a congratulatory message from the ANOCA President, Honourable Mustapha BERRAF:
“Following your country’s hosting of the ANOCA Zone 7 Games, I wish to congratulate you on the successful organisation of these historic Games. I would also like to voice the satisfaction of all ANOCA Executive Committee members and the African Olympic Movement as a whole. I am delighted to note that all the Zone 7 countries invited to this competition made a great show of professionalism. We say THANK YOU to the athletes for demonstrating their immense talent through top-notch performances. We would also like to thank the Seychelles authorities, for making it possible to organise these Games, and for their commitment to African sport. It was a source of pride for the whole of Africa and for all of Africa and the entire African Olympic and Sports Movement.”
