The Youth and Sports Minister, Alieu K. Jammeh on Monday presided over the inauguration of nine fully furnished offices for as many recognised National Sports Associations (NSAs). The offices are located at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The nine beneficiary associations are; Gambia Basketball Association, Gambia Cricket Association, Gambia Wrestling Association, Gambia Volleyball Association, Gambia Judo Association, Gambia Karate Association, Gambia Chess Association, Gambia Draught Association, and Gambia Golf Association.
In his inaugural statement, Minister Jammeh said it was a fulfillment of a promise made by his Ministry through the National Sports Council to provide offices when they embarked on their restructuring process and assessment. The lack of offices, he said were issues raised by sports association in developing their different associations. “We have no excuse not to deliver, the Ministry and those who work there have no ulterior motive.”
He reminded associations of the Sports Bill to be enacted, while warning against people monopolising positions in associations. He also called for unity and collaboration by all stakeholders for the development and progress of sports in the country.
On his part, Marcel Mendy, the Executive Director of the National Sports Council said the new offices came after what has been series of consultations and hard work. “We had nine recognised National Sports Associations when the promise was made for offices, but as we speak we now have 13 registered associations.”
by Alieu Ceesay
