Two Eclosia stars to shine at the JIOI! But guess what? They’re not competing athletes…

Aug 25, 2023

Eclosia is buzzing with excitement for the Indian Ocean Island Games (JIOI), highlighting two of its shining stars: Giovanni Victorien and Pascal Prayag. Both play crucial roles in the sports world and are making their mark on the regional athletic stage.

 

Giovanni Victorien: The man with the whistle at the JIOI

Giovanni Victorien, the whistle maestro and **Quality Control Clerk at Panagora**, is gearing up to bring his passion to life as a handball referee at the JIOI. His journey has been shaped by a deep love for handball, a sport he first played before transitioning into officiating. Standing alongside the athletes on the field, Giovanni will work to ensure a fair and just competition, embodying neutrality while proudly representing Eclosia and its commitment to sports.

 

"As a referee, I am neutral. But that doesn’t take away from my pride in participating in the JIOI, which, to me, is just as prestigious as the Olympic Games. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this moment," Giovanni shares. His meticulous journey from player to referee reflects his unwavering dedication to growth and excellence.

 

He attributes his selection to his consistent performance. "I have officiated championship seasons regularly over the past four years. The moment I was chosen, intense training began, focusing on endurance," he explains, highlighting the rigorous effort required as a referee. A handball referee can cover up to 12 kilometers in a single match!

 

Pascal Prayag: The soul of the team

On the other side of the court, Pascal Prayag, Lead Developer at Eclosia Technology Services, brings energy and passion to the 'Mauritian national 3x3 basketball team' (a variation of traditional basketball played with three players per team). Pascal was appointed as the team’s coach—a responsibility he embraces with unwavering determination. "I was nominated as coach in February, and since then, it's been daily training sessions after work, following an intense and short-term action plan," he shares.

 

Beyond techniques and tactics, Pascal emphasizes teamwork and unity, fostering strong relationships among the players. Challenges are plenty—from time constraints to financial hurdles—but Pascal remains optimistic. "We play basketball because we love the game," he states.

 

The 3x3 basketball team's goal is clear: to make it onto the podium for Mauritius. "We don’t focus on other teams; we focus on ourselves and give our best in every match, because that’s what truly matters," Pascal asserts.

 

With Giovanni Victorien and Pascal Prayag at the JIOI—just as with Eclosia’s past athlete participants—the entire Group is rallying behind the Games, showcasing its commitment to sports and excellence. Best of luck to you, dear colleagues!