Father Joseph Gough Sports Foundation on Saturday 9 February 2013 honoured Gambians who have contributed towards education, religion, sport and the socio-economic development of The Gambia at its annual award dinner held at D’nubian Seafood Garden.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Father Joseph Gough said he was pleased to award the beneficiaries, adding that this was the fifth edition of the award but has happened at a time of sad moments since he is leaving The Gambia this month.
It is disappointing but that is life, he said, while thanking all that graced the occasion.
Oremi Joiner, master of ceremony for the award function, said the award has been an annual event for the Father Joseph Gough Sports Foundation, adding that the efforts of Father Gough should not go unrecognised because the Foundation has done a lot of things for societies in the country.
“The foundation has spent a lot of money investing in various areas but some of its efforts are recognised while others are not yet recognised,” he said, adding that it is disappointing after spending a lot of money.
He disclosed that the foundation has renovated the Manneh Sillah Basketball Lawn, where members of the Basketball Federation are now conducting their league.
“He (Father Gough) will not stop when he want the community to grow,” he added, wishing him the best of health.
He said they would continue the good work in his absence.
Archbishop Tilewa Johnson, in his vote of thanks, thanked Father Gough for his vision and for making the foundation a reality.
He also called on everyone to continue to pray for the Father, who is struggling with his health, so he could get back his good health.
“We say thank you for receiving the awards from you,” he concluded.
The people awarded were: H.E. Dawda Kairaba Jawara, first president of the Republic of The Gambia; Bishop Cleary, for his leadership and 66 years of service to the Diocese; Bishop Ellison, for his leadership and being head of the Diocese, Archbishop Tilewa Johnson, for his service to religion; Mambury Njie, for his outstanding service to the development of the nation and the foreign service; Mr O.J. Jallow, for his contribution to politics and national development; Mass Axi Gye, minister of sports, and development football coach; Tom Senghore, for his contribution to the economy and religion, Mr Francis M'boge Sr., for his contribution to national development; Francis “Litti’” M’boge, for his contribution to national development; Samba Faal, for his service to the capital city as the current Banjul Mayor.
Moses Benjamin Jallow, for his service to the nation in the field of diplomacy; Henry Jammeh, Chairman Saints Board, for his contribution to education, James Gomez, for his service as former Mayor of Banjul and Founder of Baati Linguere Group, Goree Ndiaye, for his contribution to education and as a former Saints teacher; Bonu Johnson, footballer and coach; Peter Prom, for Sports Development; Pap Saine, for his journalism contribution to national development especially sports journalism; Peter Gomez, broadcast journalism especially sports journalism; Willy Abraham, sports and development football; Oremi Joiner, for his contribution to the Gough Foundation, Assan Cham, for his contribution to the Gough Foundation, Mr David Sommers, for his contribution to education and editor of the GPI magazine; John Gomez, for sports development in cricket and rugby; Father Casey, for his contribution to religion; Father Peter Suttle, for his contribution to religion; Sister Mundow, former head of St Joseph’s education; Victor Carvallo, a teacher, for his contribution to religion; Tony Carvallo, for his contribution to business and National Development; Freddie Blell, for his contribution to Tourism and Business Development; Bye Malleh Wadda, for his contribution to sports, philanthropic activities, foundation, and national development; Sam Bidwel, for his support to the Gough Foundation; Sabelle Bidwel for her support to the Gough Foundation; Martin Gomez, SAHS Principal, for his contribution to education; Henry DR Caroll, for his contribution to national development; Bernard Mendy, for his contribution to national development, and John Njie, for his contribution to national development.
