Statement by President of the Sport Journalists Association of The Gambia, on the Commemoration of the International Sports Journalists Day

Dear Colleagues,
The Gambia, will today, Wednesday July 2, 2008, join the rest of the World to commemorate the International Sports Journalists' day.

It is indeed my great honour and pleasure to wish you all the best for this important day in the annals of sports journalism worldwide.
July 2 was earmarked by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) as the official day of celebration because of its significance as the date when the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) was established at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
This July 2, 2008 will mark the 84th anniversary of the founding of AIPS.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all members of The Gambia Sports Journalists Association for a job well done in recent years

We have indeed witnessed great development and expansion of our Association from its foundation in November 10, 1998 with only eight journalists, into vibrant national and international organisation it is today representing more than 45 members.

The Day will be commemorated in The Gambia for the first time in a form of a March past and open forum at the Youth Monument at West Field.

The forum is expected to be attended by sports authorities, sports associations and stakeholders in the development of sports and journalism.

The theme of the celebration is" Role of Sports Journalists in Sports Development"

I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of each and every one of you specially the new generation of committed and professional journalists that took over the mantle of leadership of the association from the old guard.

The 24th March 2004 revolution in the Association which has brought my tenure as President could not have come at a better time as the then leadership was falling short in principally guide the association after six years into office.

I urge you as colleagues to further strengthen our co-operation which has served as the main force through our tenure.

I call on you to strive for greatness, not only professionally, but by representing the ideals of our association and by setting a good example as global citizens. It is now more important than ever to consolidate our traditions.

Once again, my heartfelt congratulations on this festive occasion. Enjoy celebrating International Sports Journalists' Day, 2008.

Yours sincerely,
Namory Trawally

President SJAG