The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the STAR-UP Foundation of the Canary Islands, Spain, for its continued support to grassroots sports development in The Gambia.
Speaking during a presentation ceremony held on Tuesday, 12th November 2025, at the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services in Bakau, Minister Badjie welcomed the Foundation’s President, Madam Sonia Arup, and her delegation, describing them as “true friends of The Gambia.”
The presentation, part of STAR-UP’s ongoing humanitarian initiative, included sports equipment and football kits for five community football teams across the country, among them the Brerewukeng Female Football Team.
Minister Badjie noted that the donation reflects the Foundation’s growing commitment to supporting sports and youth empowerment in The Gambia.
“The government of The Gambia, through my ministry, wishes to express deep appreciation to the STAR-UP Foundation under the leadership and presidency of Madam Sonia for consistently supporting The Gambia — not just the Fire Service but other areas as well,” he said. “Your previous presentation at the State House, and now again within less than a year, demonstrate your commitment to improving lives and supporting communities across the country, including sports — which is a great joy to the Ministry.”
He added that the donation of jerseys and equipment to five football teams would significantly boost local clubs and strengthen efforts to develop grassroots football.
“The support for jerseys for five football teams will go a long way in supporting these clubs and promoting sports development at the grassroots level,” the Minister affirmed.
In her remarks, Madam Sonia Arup, President of the STAR-UP Foundation, highlighted her passion for sports and football in particular, sharing that she was the first female Vice President of a Football Federation in the Canary Islands and the third in Spain.
“Football has always been close to my heart,” she said. “As someone whose family has deep ties to the game — my uncle being a former Real Madrid and FC Sevilla player — I am proud that the Foundation can contribute to the growth of football and the empowerment of young players in The Gambia.”
She noted that the Foundation’s mission is to promote solidarity, love, and dedication through community-centered projects, and that sports remain a vital tool for development and youth inclusion.
“Our support for football is part of a broader vision to give hope and opportunities to young people,” she said.
The STAR-UP Foundation, based in the Canary Islands, has been active in The Gambia since 2024, delivering containers of donated materials valued at over 3.5 million euros to various communities and institutions.
Minister Badjie concluded by thanking the Embassy of Spain, the Canary Islands community, and STAR-UP Foundation for their consistent collaboration, emphasizing that sports development in The Gambia thrives on such international goodwill.
“These partnerships remind us that sports have the power to unite nations and transform lives,” he said.
The ceremony reaffirmed the growing friendship between The Gambia and Spain through initiatives that empower communities and advance grassroots sports.
