Sebastian, 7, becomes a mascot for Menorca

Seven-year-old Sebastian Le Sauvage made the Menorca flag after studying the island at school and then persuaded his dad to take him along to support the men’s football team.

The team management saw him in the crowd, and amazed by his passion for their island, he went on to become the team’s unofficial mascot.

‘From making a spontaneous flag all of these fantastic things have happened,’ said Sebastian’s dad, John.

‘After he was spotted in the crowd it just snowballed from there, it’s overwhelming.

‘They really are the Friendly Games.’

After the game against St Helena, which the Menorcan team won 5-0, Sebastian ended up having his photo taken with the players.

He then went on to support Menorca at the athletics and more football matches, and even watched their basketball team on the livestream.

During the Games he was given a Menorcan badge, flag and three training shirts.

A story about him has since appeared in a Menorcan newspaper, and the Le Sauvage family has been sent a package of Menorcan goodies, and told they will be well looked after if they went to Menorca on holiday, with help offered with hotels, restaurants and tours.

Kote Vidal, the Menorca team manager who sent the bundle of goodies to Sebastian, said that this show of support and been very comforting.

‘Being so far away from home and finding a young boy carrying our flag and being enthusiastic about our island was very exciting,’ he said.

‘In the end, we must understand that sport should serve to unite society, not to separate.’

Sebastian said he was very keen to take up the offer of a trip to Menorca to catch up with some of his new friends, and see some of the things he had learnt about Menorca, including the beaches, little roads and lots of hotels.

‘I really want to go to Menorca. I went to Majorca when I was three but I don’t really remember it,’ he said.

Sebastian said that if he was going to take part in the Island Games in the future it would be in athletics.

‘My teacher says I have long legs, perfect for the high jump.'

‘But I want to be part of Team Menorca - I love Menorca.’