It is sure that the Games are coming, but we have also noted that 2009 will be the 60th anniversary of the creation of the People's Republic of China. We know in 2010 there is Shanghai expo. In 2013, we will celebrate one of the primary settlements of the Chinese community in Seychelles. I'm sure in 2010 and 2015, we will also find something to keep China on our agenda.
I have no idea whether we will gain any medals in the Olympic Games in Beijing. Participating is already a tremendous challenge, a wonderful experience. For a small country like the Seychelles, having its flag among the flags of all the other nations participating in the Games is just a way of feeling proud of being oneself, of obtaining one's place, joining the community of nations in one of the most noble activities.
We don't have goals toward achieving this or that number of medals. We'll be there, we'll do our utmost to be good and then we'll see what happens, but we are very happy that the Games are taking place for the first time in a developing country, and we are very happy that the Games will take place in a country with which we have such a warm, friendly relationship. I can't say that it'll be as if the Games were being held at home, but it will take place and we'll be there.
(China.org.cn September 6, 2007)
