“Nothing is impossible when you set your mind and your heart to it. Nothing is impossible when you set yourself objectives. No task is too daunting if you have the will, faith and courage. Today, yours is the award. It is the reward for your determination, perseverance and sacrifice. It is your hard work, discipline and resilience that have brought you this far. So today, we are all happy to join you in celebrating your success.”

The President was speaking at a ceremony at State House this afternoon, where  31 young people were presented the Gold Award, which is the highest accomplishment of President’s Awards Scheme. The President, who is the patron of the scheme, expressed his congratulations to the recipients for their achievements.

The President said that when he meets with the Gold Award recipients, he is struck by  their ‘level of confidence, vitality and sense of accomplishment.’ He added that the government will continue to provide support to this programme so that ‘the leaders of tomorrow’ will ‘develop their skills and talents to their full potential.’

“Today I see another group of young men and women in their prime, with exceptional qualities. You have shown your courage during the physical challenges; you have shown compassion during community activities. You have not been deterred by the high benchmark of the Gold Level. In the face of difficulties, none of you opted for the easy way out, which was to quit. Instead, you have kept at it. You all persisted, refusing to give up on your desire to succeed” said Mr. Michel

The President acknowledged ‘the unfailing partnership and unwavering support’ of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (British scheme) which is affiliated to the President’s Awards, and he also saluted the Seychelles National Youth Council, the coordinators, leaders and volunteers for their hard work.

Remarks By President Michel On The Occasion Of The Gold Award