The elective congress is a constitutional requirement stipulated in Article 24 of the GSASA constitution, which should be fulfilled by the GSASA Executive Bureau. This elective congress gave the delegates the opportunity to listen and scrutinize the activity reports, financial reports from 2011-2013 and elect their Executive Bureau for 2015-2019.
Giving the activity report for 2011-2015, the secretary general, Yorro Njie, gave a brief history of the association founded on 19 February 2011, under the first leadership of Yahya Al Matarr Jobe, and stated that despite it being a young body, it has recorded tremendous achievements both at national and international events during their four-year term of office.
He stated that the association organized and participated in the following events: The 4th edition Zone II Swimming Championship held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2011; organized 16 regional championships from 2014 to 2015 and four national championships respectively.
The team as well participated in the FINA Open Water Swimming School in Dakar 2012; participated in the British High Commission 100 day countdown to London 2012 Olympics in 2012; attended the 2nd FINA Aquatics Convention and Gold Medal Coaches Clinic in Moscow, Russia, in 2012; participated in 26th Dakar-Goree International Open Water Swimming Championship in 2013; participated in the 16th FINA World Swimming Championship in Barcelona in 2013; and organized FINA Clinic for Swimming Official in 2014.
He further reported to the congress delegates that the national team competed in the recently concluded 12th FINA World Swimming Competition, held in DOHA, QATAR, and the 3rd FINA Aquatic Convention & Gold Medal Coaches Clinic, DOHA, QATAR; also the 1st FINA Youth Camp, DOHA, QATAR in 2014.
They qualified to take part in 17th FINA World Swimming Championship in Kazan in 2015. This among other championships will serve as Olympic qualifiers for the athletes.
They have been faced with a lot of challenges, he reported, adding that they also intend to work with regional sports chairmen across the length and breadth of the country.
He read the calendar for 2015-2016, which was later adopted by the congress alongside the activity report.
The congress approved the proposal for a constitutional amendment by the outgoing Executive Committee, which was unanimously agreed upon.
Gibril Sennah, who was the acting Treasurer gave a brief financial report of all the earnings, expected and expenditures of the association for the last four years. The financial report indicated that the association was financially struggling to fund most of it programmes. The report showed that its programmes were 95% funded by individual member contributions.
Mr. Sanneh’s financial report and 2015-2016 budget were all adopted, and approved by the congress without reservation.
Amadou Danso the 1st vice-president of the GSASA, described swimming as not just a sport, but a life-saving sport. He spoke on behalf of the president-elect, Khadija Njie Sanusi, who was sick on the day of the election. Mrs. Njie Sanusi once served as the 1st vice president in 2011 and later bounced back.
He said they accept the responsibilities bestowed on them not because of monetary gain or any prospective opportunities, but for the passion they have for the sport. He promised that they would do their best to take the association to another level, and also ensure the Gambian swimmers participate in the forthcoming Olympics 2016 in Rio, Brazil. This they cannot do without the participation of the NOC, NSC and all the relevant stake holders concern, he added.
Muhammed Janneh, the administrative officer of the GNOC said he was impressedby the achievements of the association over the past years,and advised that they regularize their pending status with the NOC. He as well advised that they should adhere to good conduct and international standards governing sports.
Namory Trawally, a sports journalist, hailed the association for coming this far, and called on new bureau members to push hard.
The newly-elected Executive Members are:
.President -Khadija Njie Sanusi who replaced Pa Alieu Jallow
1st Vice President - Amadou Danso the former 2nd Vice President replaced Isatou Nyan. He was the 2nd Vice President and elected to the position of 1st Vice President
2nd Vice President - Bintou Touray Huma, replaced Amadou Danso. NEW
Secretary General- Yorro Njie, the founding father, elected to the same position for a second term
Assistant Secretary General- Bakary Jammeh, replaced Sukai B. Cham NEW
Technical Director -Arfang Y. Jobe, maintained his position for a second term
Assistant Technical Director - Habiballah Jeng, maintained his position for a second term
Treasurer – Gibril Sanneh, replaced Ebrima Jawneh. NEW
Assistant Treasurer – David Jeng, replaced Ramatoulie Jobe Jallow NEW
Auditor -Muhammed Bittaye – NEW
Press Officer - Omar Jarjue - NEW
The former president, Pa Alieu Jallow, who has been serving since 10 November 2013 withdrew his candidature, two days before the election, which gave Khadija Njie Sanusi an edge to be elected unopposed.
Certificates and plaques were awarded to the team that participated in the 12th FINA World Swimming Championship in Doha, Qatar, in November 2014 by the DOHA Organizing Committee.
Arfang Y. Jobe, the technical director, gave out the votes of thanks, followed by a group photo of the new executive committee members and delegates.
