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Gambia’s Sports Minister Expanding Sports Ties With Azerbaijan

Gambian Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie announced the creation of a joint committee aimed at expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in the fields of sports and youth. Speaking to Report, Badjie highlighted the future plans during his participation in an international event in Baku, praising the capital’s sports infrastructure: “We came to Baku to attend the 10th session of the Conference of Parties to UNESCO’s International Convention Against Doping in Sport (COP10). Your city is beautiful. We are pleased to meet colleagues from other countries and bureau representatives here.” He noted that while their schedule was packed with meetings, they managed to visit sports facilities: “Yesterday we watched an equestrian show at a sports center and toured other infrastructure sites. These are excellent facilities that every country would wish to have.” Badjie added that he would also visit the aquatic sports center: “I was there during my previous trip as well. Both the gymnastics and aquatic centers are impressive facilities that Gambia aspires to develop.” The minister emphasized the strong ties between the two nations: “In recent years, Gambia and Azerbaijan have built very good relations. Last year in Paris, I signed a memorandum of understanding with Minister Farid Gayibov to expand cooperation in youth and sports.” According to him, the mechanism for implementing the agreement involves a special committee established through Azerbaijan’s ambassador accredited to Gambia in Morocco: “This committee explores ways to realize planned activities, including exchange programs, training for administrators to enhance skills, and youth initiatives. We have already started work and hope to further strengthen our cooperation.”

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MoYS Launches four days Capacity Building Retreat to Boost Teamwork and Service Delivery

The Ministry of Youth & Sports (MoYS), through the Department of Youth and Sports (DoYS), has kicked off a three-days Capacity Building and Team Building Training for its youth and sports personnel at Sindola Safari Lodge in Kanilai. Funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund through ActionAid International The Gambia under the Youth Promotion Initiative (YPI) Project, the training has brought together technical and administrative staff of the Department, along with regional youth and sports coordinators, their assistants, and heads of satellite institutions. The retreat seeks to strengthen teamwork, sharpen leadership and communication skills, improve coordination, and equip participants with the tools and knowledge required to deliver more impactful youth and sports programmes nationwide. Declaring the training officially open, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bulli Dibba, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the very people who drive youth development in The Gambia. He reminded participants that institutions are not transformed by buildings or policies alone, but by dedicated individuals committed to making meaningful change in the lives of others. “You are important to youth development in The Gambia,” Mr. Dibba told participants, encouraging them to embrace teamwork, commit to lifelong learning, and use the platform to strengthen collaboration across the department. He further challenged the participants to fully engage throughout the sessions, stressing that the true worth of the programme would not be judged by the certificates issued, but by how well the knowledge gained is applied in their day-to-day duties. “Youth development is nation-building. Every young person who walks into our offices comes with hope. Never underestimate the power of one encouraging conversation, because changing a life can begin with a single smile,” he said. Delivering the welcoming remarks, the Director of Youth and Sports, Mr. Abass Bah, expressed gratitude to ActionAid International The Gambia and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their sustained support toward strengthening the department’s capacity. He explained that the workshop goes far beyond ordinary training, describing it as a platform to build trust, sharpen leadership, foster collaboration, and review institutional programmes for improved service delivery. “Our staff are the heartbeat of this department. The knowledge and experience gained here will prepare us to lead better, work together more effectively, and deliver quality services to young people across the country,” Mr. Bah stated. He also urged participants to engage openly, learn from one another, and come up with practical solutions to both institutional and individual challenges affecting service delivery. Over the course of the three-day retreat, participants will take part in facilitated workshops, peer learning sessions, expert-led presentations, and interactive discussions covering leadership, youth programming, sports management, communication, innovation, accountability, and organisational development. The training forms part of the Ministry’s wider effort to build a stronger, more united, and results-driven workforce capable of responding effectively to the needs and aspirations of Gambian youth, while advancing sustainable youth and sports development across the country. The resource person for the training, Alhagie Sainey Nyang, guided participants through the administration of the pre-training knowledge assessment, standard administrative procedures in the civil service based on the General Orders 2013 foundation, and coordination in the execution of duties — including inter-unit coordination, reporting lines, and the popular marshmallow challenge team-building activity.

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MoYS Continues Investment in Sports

As part of its June 2026 fund disbursement, the Ministry of Youth & Sports has provided financial support to two national sporting bodies to strengthen The Gambia’s participation and hosting of regional competitions. Gambia Athletics Association (GAA) received D497,000 to support The Gambia’s participation in the CAA Region II U-20 & U-18 Athletics Championships in Dakar, Senegal. Gambia Volleyball Federation – GVBF received D600,000 to support the hosting and participation of The Gambia in the Zone II Indoor Volleyball Tournament. Total Investment: D1,097,000 This investment reflects Government’s continued commitment to youth empowerment, talent development, and sporting excellence while enhancing The Gambia’s presence on the regional stage.

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“This project reflects my government’s firm belief in sports as a tool for youth development, unity, and national progress.” — H.E. President Adama Barrow, at the inauguration of the O.J. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium.

“This project reflects my government’s firm belief in sports as a tool for youth development, unity, and national progress.” — H.E. President Adama Barrow, at the inauguration of the O.J. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium.

“This project reflects my government’s firm belief in sports as a tool for youth development, unity, and national progress.” — H.E. President Adama Barrow, at the inauguration of the O.J. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium. Read More »

Omar A. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium Inaugurated as Milestone for Community Sports and Youth Empowerment

The Official Inauguration of the Omar A. Jallow memorial Mini Stadium formally (Mboyo Field) in the Serekunda Central by His Excellency, President Adama Barrow. The event marks a significant milestone in the development of community sports infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives.

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A New era of sporting facility for Serekunda Central Community

Join us this Sunday 21st June, 2026 at 4:00 PM in Bakoteh, as His Excellency President Adama Barrow officially inaugurates the Serrekunda Central (Mboyo Field) Mini Stadium. This landmark facility represents another step forward in promoting youth development, community engagement, and sporting excellence across The Gambia. Together, let’s celebrate progress, opportunity, and the future of Gambian sports.

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Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to University Sports Through Support for Inter-University Football Tournament

The Minister highlighted the official launch of the Inter-University Football Tournament at the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organization, emphasizing the Ministry’s support for the initiative through a contribution of D100,000 to facilitate its successful organization and promote university sports across the country. “Yesterday, I officially opened the Inter-university football tournament at the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organization. The tournament, which is organized under the leadership of Supdeco, brings together all the universities in the country in a friendly tournament to be played during the weekends. The Ministry of Youth & Sports supported this significant All-university tourney with an amount of D100,000 as a way to ensure its smooth organisation.”

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