A three-day joint coaching and sports leadership course is underway at the Independence Stadium Hostel, being conducted by the visiting Middlesex lecturers and students, under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Declaring the course open, deputy permanent secretary Malang Jassey of the Ministry of Sports congratulated the visitors and expressed his ministry’s delight to be associated with the training and the entire programme of the partnership since it allows the sharing of globalised theories and practical experience, which is vital to achieving excellence.
“I therefore encourage you to share as much as possible all positive things in sports development. Where you come across negative things in your encounters here, try to make them positive, as it is through positive commitment that sport can be developed,’’ Mr Jassey noted.
The deputy permanent secretary also noted that the MoYS is committed to pursuing and sharing the same vision with Middlesex group under the partnership.
Speaking earlier, Mamudou Max Jallow, executive secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), thanked the visitors and the local participants for committing time to the course.
Max also expressed hope that all sides would enjoy the course.
”Sport brings people from diverse origins together as was amply manifested on your backyard at the recent London Olympics and replicated in this room here,’’ he told the visitors.
He also wished the visitors great time as they continue working on other schedules, which include coaching and visits to schools, Jarra Sankwia and Kanilai as well as attending The Gambia’s 48th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Middlesex University deputy head of sport and recreation and team leader Stella Touray thanked officials of the MoYS for the arrangements, saying her group is eager to go out and share their experience with Gambians and also learn from The Gambia.
The occasion was chaired by Bakary Touray development officer at the NSC, who urged the lecturers and the participants to give and take a lot during the deliberations.
That is the way to gain professionalism and excellence, he enthused the gathering, saying: “Sport has diverse benefits as it makes people become better: makes people stand firm and visit hospital less.’’
