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Safeguarding athletes and protecting the integrity of sport are at the heart of the new National Sports Policy 2024–2034 of The Gambia. Sport must always be a safe, respectful, and fair environment for everyone — from young grassroots athletes to elite competitors. The policy introduces clear measures to prevent abuse, exploitation, and unethical practices, ensuring that ethics, safety, and integrity remain non-negotiable across all sporting disciplines. Through this national vision, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and stakeholders are committed to building a sporting culture where every athlete feels protected, valued, and empowered to perform at their best. Protecting athletes Promoting integrity Ensuring safe sport for all Together, we are shaping a stronger, safer future for sport in The Gambia.

The delegation from YouthConnekt Africa was received by Bakary Y. Badjie, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports of The Gambia, at the Ministry of Youth & Sports. Hon. Badjie warmly welcomed the delegation and engage in discussions on strengthening collaboration in advancing youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and innovation through the YouthConnekt platform. The engagement reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to supporting YouthConnekt Gambia chapter that create opportunities and leverage on its platform to expand the potential of young people across the country.

The Government of the Republic of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has officially signed the Host Agreement with the African Union Sports Council Region 2 for The Gambia to host the prestigious AUSC Region 2 Games scheduled to take place in Banjul from 7–13 June 2026. The agreement formally designates Banjul as the host city for the regional multi sport event, which will bring together young athletes under the age of 20 from member states across the region to compete in a celebration of youth development, sports excellence, and regional unity. As part of preparations for the Games, the African Union Sports Council Region 2 has also announced a strategic partnership with ASKY Airlines, naming the airline as the Official Airline Partner for the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games. Under this partnership, ASKY Airlines will provide travel and logistical support for athletes, officials, and stakeholders attending the regional multi-sport event. The collaboration is expected to strengthen cooperation between the sports and aviation sectors in Africa while ensuring the smooth movement of participating delegations to and from The Gambia. Sporting disciplines scheduled for the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games include: • Athletics • Basketball (3×3) • Beach Volleyball • Boxing • African Traditional Games (Exhibition) The hosting of the AUSC Region 2 Games represents a significant milestone for The Gambia’s sports development agenda and highlights the country’s growing capacity to stage international sporting events. The Games are expected to promote youth empowerment, regional cooperation, and sports tourism in The Gambia. Further announcements regarding sponsorships, participating countries, and competition schedules are expected in the coming weeks.   By National Sports Council

A strong nation builds strong athletes. A strong sports sector builds a strong economy. The National Sports Policy 2024–2034 is more than a document — it is a roadmap to jobs, innovation, private sector growth, and sustainable development through sport. From community playgrounds to international arenas, sport is creating business opportunities, empowering young entrepreneurs, attracting investment, and driving national pride. This is the new national vision for sport — where talent meets opportunity, and passion becomes productivity. Together, let’s unlock the economic power of sport for The Gambia

A significant step was taken today in Banjul as the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Basse Area Council (BSAC) formalized a partnership aimed at transforming the management and operations of the Basse Mini Stadium a development long anticipated by the people of the Upper River Region. In his statement , the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie reaffirmed Government’s strong commitment to the growth of sports nationwide. He described the move as part of a broader decentralization agenda intended to empower local authorities to take ownership of sports facilities while aligning with national development goals. The Minister emphasized that strengthening grassroots sports remains central to Government’s vision, noting that proper management structures at the local level will ensure sustainability, improved standards, and wider community participation. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry will continue to provide policy guidance and oversight to guarantee that the stadium operates in line with national expectations. For his part, the Chairman of the Basse Area Council, Hon. Mahamadou Ceesay, reflected on the Council’s journey toward this milestone. He acknowledged that in the past, the region faced criticism for lacking a standard football competition a concern he admitted was justified and one that prompted serious reflection. According to him, between 2023 and 2025 the Council deliberately prioritized institutional strengthening over immediate infrastructure expansion. With limited financial capacity and a modest annual budget, the leadership chose to focus on building sound governance systems, accountability mechanisms, and financial discipline before embarking on major projects. “We began with what we had,” he stated, explaining that restoring confidence and improving internal structures were necessary steps toward sustainable development. The Council, he added, studied best practices from other countries and adapted lessons that fit their local realities to ensure long-term impact. Hon. Ceesay further reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to support sporting competitions and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure players compete under proper conditions, including improved lighting and essential logistics. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bulli Dibba, and the Acting Executive director of The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC both highlighted the importance of structured management and community ownership in securing the stadium’s future. Also in attendance was Saikou Bah, National Assembly Member for Basse and Chair of the National Assembly Select Committee on Sports, underscoring strong legislative backing for sports advancement in the region. The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the documents by representatives of both institutions, followed by a symbolic handshake to seal the partnership.