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The policy was developed following extensive consultations with key stakeholders and marks a significant step forward in the nation’s sporting history.
The new policy outlines the vision and aspirations for the Gambia’s sporting community, building on the successes and lessons learned from the previous National Sports Policy (2010-2019).
Recognising the key role that the policy plays in shaping the national sports landscape, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with stakeholders, conducted a comprehensive review to develop a forward-looking document to guide sports development over the next decade.
In his opening remarks, Minister Badjie thanked the various stakeholders and senior sports figures who contributed to the development of the policy. He stressed that the document reflects the collective will of the Gambian people and said: “This is not just a ministerial document, it is a national document that is vital to the development of the sport we all love.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Task Force Committee that was formed last year to oversee the development of the policy. Although an international consultancy firm from South Africa was involved, Gambian experts played a vital role in guiding the process. Professor Momodou Mustapha Fanneh, through his consultancy, worked with the South African Institute of Sport Development and took input from representatives of various associations to form a technical group or task force. These individuals travelled around the country to consult, gather input from regional sports authorities and associations to ensure that the policy reflects the needs and aspirations of the Gambian sports community.
Minister Badjie reiterated that the document was not the product of the work of the Ministry or consultants alone, but was shaped by contributions from all walks of life in The Gambia. The final draft, which is currently under review, will be presented to Cabinet for adoption, paving the way for its implementation as the official National Sports Policy.
Minister Badger stressed the importance of the new policy, saying: “For the past few years, the country has been working blindly without a guiding policy. This new document will replace the old one and set the path for the work that all of us should do in developing sports.”
The Minister also highlighted the timeliness of the policy, noting that it coincides with the completion of the first ever National Sports Act. Once the policy is adopted and the Act is passed by Parliament, they will provide a comprehensive framework to guide the development and regulation of sports in The Gambia.
Minister Badjie thanked the Federal Government for funding the policy and stressed that a paradigm shift is needed in the way sports are viewed and managed in the country. “We cannot continue to view sports as pure entertainment. Sports are an industry in themselves that can lift people out of poverty, maintain peace in communities and contribute to the national economy,” he said, noting that football and other sports contribute significantly to the national economy.
The Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawara, during the question and answer session, called for the establishment of an athlete incentive scheme to motivate athletes. He also echoed the Minister’s call for improved infrastructure and urged the government to provide tax breaks for institutions sponsoring sports to encourage more investment in the sector.
Other speakers included Her Excellency Ndey Mary Njie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Professor Momodou Mustapha Fanneh.
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