Art Exhibition unveiled in Seychelles eight eco-friendly marathon closing ceremony

Art Exhibition unveiled in Seychelles  eight eco-friendly marathon closing ceremony

Almasalla, ATP News- Seychelles  Designated Minister for Community Development, Social Affairs and Sports Vincent Meriton, Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange, principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, Dong Chang Jeong, Seychelles’ Honorary Consul General in South Korea along with renowned artists Song Shija and Kim Taiyeon cut the ribbon to open a Korean art exhibition, depicting nature themes.

This along with a musical performance involving the cello, ocarina and Korean string were the highlights of the Korean themed gala buffet dinner held at the Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, on the evening of Sunday the 22nd of February.

The dinner does not only serve as a prize giving ceremony for the top five male and female winners of the eight eco-friendly marathon and half marathon but also as an opportunity for guests to appreciate the rich Korean culture through its exquisite cuisine.

In his opening remarks, Alain St. Ange Minister for Tourism and Culture congratulated all the individuals who had participated in the eco-friendly marathon. He has promised that the ministry of tourism and culture will continue working alongside the ministry of sports to increase this event’s visibility across the world, as the marathon that should not be missed.

Mr. Dong Chang Jeong, the Seychelles’ Honorary Consul General in South Korea and the marathon’s initiator, expressed his happiness in having witnessed yet another successful eco-friendly marathon.  And he described this marathon as one that brings unity along with economic benefits considering the large number of international participants flying in especially for the race.

He went on to confirm the number of participants which was 200 people short of the 3000 target.           

He concluded his speech by expressing his wish for the marathon to one day make history by turning into a national event.

Seychelles Tourism Board’s chief executive Sherin Naiken thanked Mr Jeong for his tireless efforts along with his assistant Julie Kim.  She also expressed words of thanks for the sponsors and the local based organiser National Sports Council (NSC) under the lead of its chief executive officer Giovanna Rousseau.

She went on to describe the eco-friendly marathon as one that keeps growing from strength to strength, a good portrayal of the ‘I love Seychelles’ national theme with more than one ministry collaborating alongside the Korean organisers, for Seychelles.

Vincent Meriton designated Minister for Community Development, Social Affairs and Sports also addressed guests at the event.

He thanked the participants adding that with 38 countries participating this year, he is proud that the numbers keep growing and he hopes that a 5000 target will be met in the next two years. He described the marathon as ‘strenuous but when you complete it you know that it is worth it.’

‘Running this marathon show that we love our health and wellbeing and that we take responsibility for it,’ said Minister Meriton. He ended his speech by encouraging individuals to take the challenge next year and join, promising that it would be fun.

Winners of the marathon walked away with PUMA sports kit, hotel stays, lunch/ dinner/ excursion vouchers, cash and trophies as prizes.

This year’s women’s title went to Finnish Mari Kauri who clocked in a time of 3h:46:30 and Kenyan Shadrack Tanui took the honours in the men’s race with a winning time of 2h38:22.

Present also at the ceremony were Minister for Health Mitzy Larue, former Minister Patrick Pillay, principal Secretary for Tourism Anne Lafortune, Ambassador Barry Faur among many invited guests who filled up the entertainment area of the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel & Casino at Beau Vallon.