Minister Jammeh made these remarks when speaking to reporters during the finals of the inter-schools championship held in Farafenni, which he attended.
“Those schools and their environments are very essential in laying a strong foundation for the development and sustainability of sports”.
“Talents are in abundance in The Gambia, and not restricted in one side of the country”, he further stated, adding that if the talents are nurtured they will be recognized at a higher level.
He said his ministry has a policy to decentralize sports, which has to be supported by actions with the availability of infrastructure.
He commended the GSSSA for supporting the ministry’s policy of decentralization, adding that the lack of enough sports infrastructure is his ministry’s challenge.
Minister Jammeh noted that for an association to be recognized, it has to meet certain criteria and follow processes, and he therefore encouraged the GSSSA to work with the National Sports Council, and ensure that the young ones do not get disappointed next year.
The Youth and Sports Minister disclosed that next year’s athletics championship will be competed on tracks at the Independent Stadium, which are currently being renovated.
Marcel Mendy, the executive director National Sports Council, in his remarks expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of the athletes, adding that this is what MOYS has being calling for.
The championship shows that talents are all over the country, he further stated.
Martin Gomez, GSSSA president, described the championship as an avenue to promote grassroots sports, as well as expose talents across the country.
