Paralympics Sports To be Decentralized

The Gambia National Paralympics Committee, headed by Sulayman Colley is set to decentralise a sport meant for people faced with physical disabilities.

Efforts to kick start this plan have taken centre stage as a two day training of trainers workshop on wheelchair basketball, goal ball and football, was organised by the committee over the weekend for regional representatives across the country at the Serrekunda West Mini Stadium.

Alex Dacosta, Interim Chairperson of the National Sports Council in his opening address of the two day event stressed the importance of volunteerism in the attainment of a common goal especially in the sporting arena.

"We are challenged to introduce more sports in the country, and efforts by Gambia National Paralympics Committee to decentralise the game are in the right direction. This will help promote more competition and participation," he added.

He added that, "the training which mainly focused on theory and practical aspects of the game will go a long way in promoting the game across the nation. I will want to assure you of the National Sports Council commitment and support".

Technical Director, Momodou Savage, said disable sports was introduced in the country very early and the event went ahead to train their Senegalese counterparts on wheelchair basketball, and they are more advanced in the game than them.

"Though we have been taking part in international competitions, we feel it is necessary to decentralise the sport across the country to help promote the spirit of competitiveness among regions."