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The Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie has reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to using sport as a powerful tool to promote health, social inclusion, peace, and sustainable development, in line with the Commonwealth theme: “Reimagining the Power of Sport Towards Healthier, Fairer and More Equitable Commonwealth Communities.” Minister Badjie made this remarks during the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) at the Hilton Hotel, ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Guided by the National Sports Policy (2024–2034), the Ministry continues to promote sport as a key driver of healthy living, youth empowerment, gender equality, social cohesion, and economic growth. Through its Sports for Health Programme, communities, institutions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders are supported to organise regular sporting activities across the country, encouraging active lifestyles, mental well-being, unity, and greater community participation. He emphasis on the Government recognisition in the valuable contributions of national sports federations, the Gambia National Olympic Committee , athletes, youth organisations, universities, civil society, and development partners in advancing sport as a catalyst for national development. He reaffirmed its support for the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS), The Gambia underscored the importance of international collaboration in strengthening sports policies and sharing best practices. The Government also expressed its sincere appreciation to the Commonwealth Secretariat for its technical and financial support in developing the National Sports Policy (2024–2034), as well as to Professor Coning for his expert guidance throughout the process. On behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Commonwealth and other partners to harness the transformative power of sport in building healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable communities. The Honourable Minister is accompanied by the Acting Executive Director of the The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC , Mahmoud Lamin Jawla

Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports,Bakary Y. Badjie has reiterated government’s commitment to preserving the country’s sporting legacy while expanding support for athletes across all disciplines as part of efforts to build a stronger and more inclusive sports sector. Speaking at “A Day with Gambian Sports Legends” held today in a local hotel in Kololi under the theme “Honouring the Pioneers, Inspiring the Future,” the Honourable Minister said President Adama Barrow’s Government remains dedicated to investing in sports infrastructure, developing young talent and recognising the pioneers whose sacrifices helped shape Gambian sports. The event, organised by the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia brought together legendary athletes, sports administrators, journalists and other stakeholders to celebrate the country’s sporting heroes and inspire the next generation. Quoting Abraham Lincoln’s words, “A nation that does not honour its heroes will not long endure,” the Minister stressed the importance of celebrating those who have proudly served The Gambia through sport. He described the gathering as more than a tribute to the past, saying it was an opportunity to preserve the nation’s sporting history while motivating future champions. Hon. Badjie reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to supporting every sporting discipline, regardless of its popularity, and emphasised that sports veterans deserve recognition and continued support as the custodians of Gambian sports history. He highlighted government initiatives to immortalise sporting icons, including the naming of sections of the Independence Stadium after legendary figures such as Alhagie Momodou Njie (Biri Biri) and Ousainou Njie, as well as the recent naming of the Omar Amadou Jallow (O.J)Memorial Mini Stadium in Bakoteh. The Minister also announced that the proposed National Sports Development Fund will include a dedicated support package for deserving sports veterans once operational. He further pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration with veteran associations and stakeholders to preserve Gambian sports history through books, documentaries and other archival projects. Paying tribute to veteran coach Cherno Barra Touray, Hon. Badjie recalled that he and other sports pioneers were included in The Gambia’s official delegation to the country’s historic maiden AFCON appearance in Cameroon in recognition of their immense contribution to national football. He encouraged young athletes to learn from the resilience and achievements of the country’s sporting legends, noting that many excelled despite limited facilities and resources. The event also recognise several distinguished sports personalities, including Cherno Barra Touray, Lamin Owens, Essa Faye, Dodou Capi Joof, Bai Malleh Wadda, Binta Daffeh, Elizabeth Bahoum, Nafisa Secka, Sheikh Faye, Omar Faye and Jabou Jawo, for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of sports in The Gambia.

The Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, earlier this week presided over the exhibition of innovative digital solutions developed by young Gambians during the Gambia Digital Innovation Sprint. The initiative, implemented by the National Youth Council with support from UNICEF Gambia, showcased the creativity and technological potential of young innovators while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through digital innovation.   “Earlier this week, I presided over the ceremony to exhibit the innovative digital work of Gambian youths. The event dubbed “Gambia Digital Innovation Sprint” implemented by the National Youth Council, with support from UNICEF Gambia, followed months of innovative digital work done by young people selected from across the country. In my remarks, I assured young people of government’s continued commitment to empowering them to use technology as an economic drivers, citing examples of current efforts within the Ministries of Youth & Sports, Higher Education and Communications. Each of the three best innovators were earlier supported with cash amount D200,000 to further their work”.

“The present and the future belongs to our young innovators and It is our sacred responsibility to build a world where their curiosity is championed, their courage is supported and their boldest ideas are given the wings to soar into lasting solutions for our nation.” HON. MINISTER OF YOUTH & SPORTS