By Alhagie Babou Jallow
The Minister of Youth and Sports (MoYS) has said that Gambia’s hosting of the L’OSTA AFRISPORTS Championship is one way of boosting our eco-tourism, business and networking. The continental sporting event is set to be hosted by The Gambia from 6th to 12th March 2023.
Hon, Bakary Y. Badjie was speaking during the inauguration of The Gambia’s National Organising Committee (NOC) as part of the country’s preparation of hosting the event.
The championship will be organised by the Organisation of African Worker Sports Association (L’OSTA) and hosted by the National Inter-Departmental Sports Association (NISA) on behalf of The Gambia.
In his inaugural statement, Minister Badjie congratulated NISA for having succeeded in convincing their workers union to bring L’OSTA to The Gambia for the first time.
He also thanked members for their willingness to serve in the NOC, adding that the responsibility lies on the country to prove to L’OSTA and countries coming that The Gambia is small in size but indeed great in organisation.
“We will host the event to the best of our ability so that The Gambia’s name and flag will remain in the continent as a country that can host any type of event,” he stated.
Saikou B. Jarju, the president of NISA, said the NOC will be overseeing nine sub-committees to ensure they have a successful event.
He confirmed that they would host the L’OSTA continental congress and L’OSTA continental sports – featuring six disciplines.
He thanked the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their support and confirmed that preparations are in high gear to ensure the successful hosting of the event.
Mr. Jarju pointed out that the success of the event would require the collaboration of all stakeholders.
The Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mr Marcel Mendy told NOC members that they need to get things right knowing that the event is fast approaching. He pointed out that to succeed, all stakeholders need to work together and thanked the NOC members for accepting to serve in the committee.
The newly established NOC consist of people from government, NISA and other sports bodies, influential personalities from all sectors including media, security and business among others.
Around 20 African countries are due in Banjul for the six-day sporting jamboree, featuring several disciplines including football, volleyball, handball and Walk for Health.
