By Arfang M.S. Camara
The ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), through the National Sports Council (NSC) have committed to supporting the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) of D7.5 million ahead of the Commonwealth and Islamic Games which is scheduled from 28th July to 8th August and from 9th to 18th August 2022.
“The ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Sports Council will be paying towards this games D7.5 million. This will go towards different aspects of the two games, such as the sportswear, tickets, accommodations, allowances amongst others,” said Marcel Mendy, executive director, National Sports Council.
According to him, the government is very much committed to see that Gambian athletes are exposed and supported.
“it is important for our athletes and coaches to be motivated. It is important that we support. We are cognisant to the fact that sports can take the country to places that not many things can take the country to.”
He continued: “Sports can help us succeed in so many things. This is why even though government is grappling with lot of challenges like any other government, has decided to put aside D7.5 million for the two games.”
Mr. Mendy noted that the government is quite encouraged and willing to ensure that they do their part towards the forthcoming games
He went on to thank the GNOC for the coordinating work they have been doing towards ensuring that The Gambia has a hedge free participation in the two games.
Bakary Jammeh, Chef de Mission of the Birmingham Games stated that the male and female Beach Volleyball teams were supported to participate in Africa Commonwealth Games qualifiers held in Ghana from 26th to 31st March 2022.
“Prior to their competition in Ghana, the two Qatar based players were flown from Qatar to join two weeks’ camp in order to adequately prepare them for the competition.”
He added that the male team ultimately won the competition after beating South Africa in the finals and earning their qualifications to the Birmingham Games.
Mr. Jammeh noted that the Gambia Paralympics athlete, Modou Gamo was supported to participate in World Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 27 November to 5 December 2021, adding that the championships made Mr. Gamo to improve his rankings for Birmingham Games.
“The Paralympics Wheelchair Basketball male team was supported to participate in IWBF Africa Commonwealth Games 3×3 qualifiers held in Johannesburg from 7 to 10 October 2021.”
According to him, the team won two matches against Rwanda and Namibia and lost two against Kenya and South Africa, adding that as a result, could not secure qualification to the Games.
He however, said that a bipartite application has been completed for the team which could still earn them a slot to take part in the Games through a wild card.