(Posted 28th October 2024)
Courtesy of Laura Samoisy and ‘Hello Rodrigues’
The official kickoff of the 4th Rodrigues Games was marked by a vibrant ceremony held at the end of August at the Integrated and Sustainable Development Center in Contour Oblass. The event, attended by distinguished guests including Chief Commissioner Franceau Grandcourt, Deputy Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety, Sports Commissioner Varok Ravina, and Tourism Commissioner Jean Alain Wong So, unveiled the essential symbols of this much-anticipated edition: the logo, anthem, song, and mascot of the Games.
Under the evocative theme “Linité ek zefor, leker nou zil” (Unity and Effort, the Heart of Our Island), these games, which have not taken place for over fifteen years, will be held from November 27th to 30th, 2024. They will bring together 1,500 athletes, 200 coaches and staff, as well as 300 officials and volunteers for intense competition in 15 sports disciplines, ranging from basketball to swimming, taekwondo, and athletics, among others.
The Games logo, inspired by the central theme, symbolizes the spirit of unity and fair play. Designed around figures representing athletes and the population, it incorporates arcs symbolizing sports movements. The chosen colors—purple, yellow, blue, and red—respectively represent courage, joy, freedom, and success.
The official mascot, an Aldabra tortoise named “Rodrigo,” was created by the Academy Design and Innovation in Mauritius. Reflecting the island’s mindset and ecology, Rodrigo is an ambassador of Rodrigues’ ecological and cultural values, wearing a typical hat symbolizing the rich local culture.
The Games anthem, composed by Jean Noël Armand, Bruno Perrine, and Delaitre Genave, was another highlight of the ceremony. In addition, the official song of the Games, titled “Nou pou la,” written by Bernadin Moutien and composed by Doyal Edouard and Christophe Casimir, was performed by a host of local artists, aiming to galvanize participants and the public.
In his speech, Henrico Louis, President of the Games Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing preparations: “With less than 90 days to go before the games, we have reached a crucial milestone. The preliminary rounds are over, and we are doing everything possible to make this event a resounding success.”
Henrico Louis, who himself won four gold medals at the last Rodrigues Games in 2008, emphasized the importance of this event in showcasing local sports talent. “The sports facilities have been completely upgraded, and new equipment has been acquired, which will be a valuable legacy for Rodrigues’ athletes after the Games,” he stated. These renovations and investments demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to providing a high-quality competitive environment conducive to the emergence of local talent.
In the lead-up to the 4th Rodrigues Games, a structured program has been implemented to ensure the event is well-prepared. Popular gatherings will be organized in the four zones of the island, offering residents the opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Games. Starting November 15, the preliminary phase for team sports will begin, marking the start of the competitions. These Games have also provided an opportunity to reorganize regional committees and the sports commission while enhancing the training of staff, officials, and coaches. Henrico Louis calls on all Rodriguans to rally in large numbers to fully support the athletes and make this event a popular success.
Sports Commissioner Varok Ravina emphasized the importance of this event for local athletes, allowing them to shine in front of their own audience, often having to follow their exploits from abroad. “These Games represent much more than a sports competition; they are a vehicle for social cohesion and a means to promote both grassroots and elite sports.” He expressed his desire to elevate these Games to the level of the Indian Ocean Island Games by offering a high-level competition and guaranteeing a quality spectacle for spectators.
Chief Commissioner Franceau Grandcourt closed the event by calling on all Rodriguans to mobilize in support of the athletes and make these Games a true popular success. With renovated infrastructure and new equipment, everything is in place for this 4th edition of the Rodrigues Games to leave a lasting and unforgettable legacy.
The 4th Rodrigues Games pursue multiple ambitious objectives. They aim to discover and promote the island’s sports talents while strengthening unity and social cohesion through sports. These Games raise awareness among young people about the importance of health while offering a quality spectacle to the local public.
By modernizing infrastructure and acquiring new equipment, the Games leave a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes. Additionally, they are part of an effort to combat social issues such as drug abuse by using sports to inspire young people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, with athletes serving as role models of discipline and success.
Hello Rodrigues Magazine is a digital mag promoting the small and remote island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean. Launched in January 2024 by the initiative of Laura Samoisy, director of publication and editor in chief, the magazine aims to promote this sunny destination and its culture. Connect on hellorodrigues.fr to know more about this little island.
