By Arfang M.S. Camara
The Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA), last Thursday, wrapped up a 3-day training programme for practicing wrestlers and regional referees held at the Janjanbureh Youth Center in the Central River Region.
The thirty (30) participants, drawn across all regions of the country, were trained on modules such as Entrepreneurship (Trade in Services of Traditional Sport as a Tourism Product and its Export Potential), Wrestling as a business career model for socio-economic development, Climate Change and traditional influence to the wrestling sport in rural communities, influence of intellectual property rights and policy to promote traditional sport, fair play refereeing and rules of the game, practical diagnostics and tactical performance amongst others.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Chris Addy-Nayo, Project Leader, thanked the GWA and the participants for what he described as a successful three days programme.
He went on to renew his commitment to the full implementation of the project.
Serign Modou Faye, President of the Gambia Wrestling Association, called on the participants to share the knowledge gained and assured his administration continues efforts to train wrestlers and as well Stakeholders.
Professor Abdou Badji, while presenting wrestling books to the GWA said it’s always an honor for him to be invited by the GWA to share his knowledge, adding that The Gambia and Senegal are one people.
After reminding the participants about the objective of the training, Mr Badji also urged them to be practicing what they learnt on their training grounds to perfect their skills.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues, Mbye Kah, a referee, thanked the GWA and partners for the opportunity, adding that wrestling in the Gambia is becoming more advanced compared to the previous years.
“This training will go a long way in developing our skills and knowledge of the sport,” he said, while promising to make best use of the knowledge gained.
Speaking earlier, Pa Ousman Bouy the Accountant at GCCI who also doubles as the Financial Controller of the Project said, the fencing of the Arenas will soon commence as some areas have already been handed over their complete document.
Meanwhile, all the 30 participants were certified after undergoing an intensive three days training course.
The project “promoting investment in culture, creative arts and traditional sports to enhance resilience against climate change in local communities” is an EU funded project and is expected to build 8 to 10 wrestling arenas Nationwide, train wrestling Stakeholders and conduct a Scoping Study.
