IAAF President in Town

Mr. Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), arrived in The Gambia yesterday.

The purpose of his visit is to pay condolence to the family of late Dodou Ceesay, renowned Trade unionist who passed away last August. Mr. Diack is a cousin to Sulayman Mansaneh Ceesay former Secretary of State for Interior and Kebba M Ceesay former goalie of the National Team.

During his brief visit to The Gambia today, he will pay a courtesy call to Vice President Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, Mr. Sheriff Gomez Secretary of State for Youth and Sports.

Mr. Lamine Diack is a Senegambian national, born to a Gambian mother, Isatou Ceesay and a Senegalese father, Ebrima Diack. He was the French champion in the men's Long jump during colonial days and National Team footballer who represented Senegal at many international competitions.

He was Minister of Sports in Senegal, Mayor of Dakar, President of the Senegalese Olympic Committee and the President of the Senegalese Athletics Association for many years.

In 1973, he was elected the first President of the African Athletics confederation till 2003 when he was elected president of the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), the first African ever to be elected to this position. He is a very close friend and guide to The Gambia Athletics Association.