By Arfang M.S. Camara
Goodwill Ambassador for Sports, Tijan Jaiteh has received Gambia’s 2021 Honorary Recognition in Sports by Invest Gambia (IG) at a Merit Awards Gambia (MAG) gala night held at the Paradise Suites Hotel on Saturday.
The ceremony which is widely called New Year’s Eve Mega Gala and Merit Awards Gambia (MAG) was designed to recognize the role and efforts of Gambians both at home and abroad.
Invest Gambia (IG) is a non-profit financial institution providing properly structured debt financing solutions to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in The Gambia.
Mr. Jaiteh received the Invest Gambia’s Honorary Recognition in Sports award 2021 for his tremendous efforts towards the development of Gambian sports especially in the areas of volleyball.
An official from Invest Gambia (IG) expressed delights for the good work done by Tijan Jiateh since his appointment as Goodwill Ambassador.
“We are proud of his work which among other things provided a coach for women volleyball as well as facilitating overseas training and exposure for women volleyball players,” he said.
According to him, the foundation also supported regional sports associations with much needed materials which have impacted a lot on footballers across the country,” he further said.
Reacting to the award Mr. Jaiteh said he is both proud of the unexpected award and encouraged by it. “I am surprised but I appreciate this encouragement from IG and I hope the award will inspire others to help support sports development in The Gambia.”
Another sports awardee on the night was Gambian track queen Gina Bass.
She qualified to represent The Gambia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the women’s 100 metre and 200 metre events. In the 100 metres race she set a new national record of 11.12 seconds.
The 26-year-old sprinter won a bronze medal in the 200 metres at the 2016 African Championships. She also qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics and was the Gambian flag bearer.
She is the first ever Gambian to qualify for the final at the World Athletics Championships.
She currently holds national records in the 100 and 200 metres.