The
National University Sports Federation (NUSF) Gambia have recently presented its
sport recommendations (Position Paper) to the Constitutional Review Commission
(CRC) following their observations on the first Draft Constitution.
The
NUSF commended the CRC collectively and individually for expressing their love
and loyalty to the nation by exerting all efforts to make sure that the wishes
and aspirations of all Gambians are echoed in the draft constitution, as we
march to carve out an inclusive and progressive future for the country.
However,
they observe that although sport is a very important social and economic factor
in any nation’s development, is not mentioned even a single time in the first
draft constitution.
Therefore,
they collected suggestions and recommendations from sport stakeholders, which
they presented to the CRC for consideration.
“We
believe that sport must be constitutionally and legally recognized in the draft
constitution,’’ said the NUSF.
Meanwhile
the NUSF recommended for the establishment of a Sport Court/Tribunal,
construction of sport Infrastructure (accessibility to people with
disabilities), Sport Law, as well as budgetary allocation for sport.
On
Sport Law the federation suggested that “this legislation should outline
matters related to commercialisation, contracts, sports disputes, protection of
athletes’ rights, protection of people with disabilities, hosting of
international events, funding of national teams and national associations,
transparency, accountability and good governance”.
On
the establishment of Sport Court/Tribunal the NUSF suggested that there is an
urgent need for the establishment of a competent court/tribunal to settle all
sport related disputes, before such matters are referred or appealed to the
Court of Arbitration (CAS) for Sport in Lausanne (Switzerland).
“The
proposed Sports Tribunal should have jurisdiction to hear appeals from
decisions of the National Sports Council, National Sports Associations or
Regional Sport Committees (and other sports-related disputes), where mutually
agreed by all interested parties. We further recommend that the constitution
formally recognizes the proposed Sports Tribunal, as it does to the District
Tribunals and other judicial bodies, `` went on the position paper.
On
the construction of Sport Infrastructure (accessibility to people with
disabilities) they noted that section 56 of the Draft Constitution provides for
disability rights, including the right to equal treatment and dignity but
suggested for the section to specify the rights of people with disabilities, to
engage in sports and to have access to suitable sport facilities.
“In
addition, we recommend that the right to practice in sports and the
availability of sport facilities be specifically recognized among the social
rights of all citizens. This is a necessity because lack of infrastructures in
our communities has contributed to widespread apathy towards sports in the
country, `` they also said.
On
budgetary allocation for sport the federation said in their view, sport has not
been sufficiently supported in the national budget over the years.
“The
budgetary allocations for sport have always been relatively insignificant,
being treated in conjunction with youth activities in general”, observed the
federation and for this reason, recommend that the budgetary allocation for
sport be increased to a far more significant percentage of the national budget.
“Sport
do not only contributes to youth and community development and empowerment but
is a proven significant tool for social change, health, education equity and
transformation as well as for economic development,’’ said NUSF.
In
conclusion they requested that the above recommendations in the interest of
sport be included in the constitution to ensure the construction of a healthy,
peaceful and active society through sport participation.
