Galp Energia The Gambia on 14 November 2012 presented football equipment to the Gambia Armed Forces team at a presentation ceremony held at the GAF Headquarters in Banjul.
Three sets of jerseys, socks and seven footballs were received by the team in preparation for their African Military Football championship (GAMFOOT) due to kick off next month on 3 through 17 November 2012.
Speaking at the ceremony, which attracted representatives from both Galp and GAF, Tijan Jallow, marketing and communicating officer, said the gesture, which has been done over time, was significant.
“When the Gambia Armed Forces knocks our door, we see no reason why we should not open the door, especially when it comes to sport,” he said.
Mr Jallow said the GAF team is going to take part in the military championship to represent the whole nation.
GAF is one of the best customers they have, he added, while encouraging the GFA to work hand in hand with Galp, saying they are not only customers to them but also good “partners”.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence, Abdoulie Kah, extended gratitude to Galp for the gesture and commended them for the partnership.
Mr Kah further extended thanks and appreciation to Galp on behalf of the GAF team, saying: “We hope to continue the partnership with Galp because they are not just customers to us but partners as well with whom we hope to move the nation forward.”
Colonel Sambou Barrow who chaired the ceremony thanked Galp for the initiative, saying the materials would help in addressing some of the requirements for their participation in Ivory Coast.
The gesture will strengthen the already existing relationship they have between the two institutions, he said in assuring Galp that the items would be put into good use.
Gambia Armed Forces PRO Lamin K. Sarnyang also spoke at on occasion.