GNOC awards great sports personalities, as Sheikh Tijan Faye receives top accolade

The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) Saturday night at the Djeliba Hotel decorated outstanding sports men and women with various top awards in recognition of their endless contribution to the development and promotion of sports in The Gambia.

The main highlight of the weekend ceremony was the awarding of the GNOC most outstanding sports personality of the year - the veteran and one time great sports personality Sheikh Tijan Faye, who was in attendance to receive the chief accolade of the night.

The 13th Annual Sports banquet and award ceremony was organised by the GNOC, whose ultimate aim is to recognize and honour the country's outstanding sports men and women for their significant contribution to sports in The Gambia.

Other awardees were Sheikh Omar Faye, former Minister of Youth and sports, who was admitted into the GNOC hall of fame as a result of his invaluable contribution towards the improvement of sports in the country.

Faye was not present at the award ceremony but his accolade was received on his behalf by his brother Imam Muntaha Faye.

Bassin Andalla Ceesay was also admitted into the GNOC hall of fame while Mr Seedy Kebba Njie (aka Master), Kebba Jobarteh, Manga Ngum, Saihou Ceesay were all awarded the posthumous award received on their behalf by their family members.

Next on the ward list was the GNOC award merit list, which was given to Haddy Njie, former Gambia sprinter, Sheikh Tijan Njie, a great draughts player; Mrs De Almeida, veteran teacher; Baboucarr Saho, former Gambian goalkeeper; Mr Alieu Darboe, former Gambian boxing maestro; and Phillip Akibugun, former Gambian great Lawn Tennis player.

Father Joseph Gough, no doubt a household name philanthropist in Gambian sports, was given the GNOC sponsorship award in recognition of his endless contribution in sports development.

The honorary award this time around was awarded to the Egyptian Tarik Siagy, former coach of the Gambia national U-17 team, who guided the Gambia U-17 team to glory  when he successfully led the team to the 2009 Caf African U-17 cadet championship title in Algeria.

Beatrice Allen, The Gambia’s only IOC member who doubles as the 1st vice president of the GNOC was honoured with the president’s award.