Citation for Alhaji Ebou Joof the 2008 GNOC Awardee in the Hall of Fame

Born in Bakau Sanchaba this awardee attended Bakau Primary School and Gambia High School before proceeding to Yundum College after his "O" Level examinations. He graduated at the College with a qualified teacher's certificate with an endorsement in Physical Education. While still teaching he attended:

a)         The Sports Leadership Course conducted by Olympic Solidarity itinerant administration school in 1989.

b)         The Olympic Solidarity FIFA Football Coaching Course in 1990.

c)         Commonwealth Youth Programme at the University of Zambia from 1992 t0 1993 and was awarded a Diploma in Youth and Development.

d)         National Course Director's Course in 1996 and was awarded a certificate of competence to conduct Olympic Solidarity Sports Administration Courses.

e)         Regional Administration high level Diploma course for "Instructors in Accra Ghana in 2005.

As a Sportsman he played for his school team and was captain of the Bakau Zonal team at the age of 17 a position he held for 8 years for the Bakau Zonal team as a result he was nicknamed "Capi". He joined Real de Banjul F.C. in 1968 one year after it was founded and won several accolades with them including the famous FA cup final in 1969 when Real beat White Phantoms by 2 goals to 1. This we the first match to be broadcast live on Radio Gambia. He was selected for the Gambia National Team in 1968 and made his debut in 1970 against Liberia. He continued to play for the National Gambia first eleven team for 5 years running.

He joined the Department of Youth and Sports in September 1984 as Assistant Sports Officer and rose through the ranks to become the Director of Youth and Sports in 2000. In 2006 he was appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary and acting Permanent Secretary in 2007. He retired from active service in 2008.

This awardee is a real sportsman and administrator having been involved one way or the other in all aspects of Physical Education and Sports in this country.

His vast experience in Sports coupled with the numerous Seminars, Conferences and Workshops he attended internationally and nationally made him a valuable asset to most institutions and anyone interested in Gambia Sports in general.

He has a reputation for fair play hence his other nickname the "Gentleman of the field"

Those who played with him will confirm that he was a true Sportsman. Ladies and Gentlemen this Gentleman of the field is no one other than Alhaji Ebou Joof who has been inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame.