CFAO, a renowned importer and retail distributor of internationally renowned automobile brands such as Toyota, Suzuki, Yamaha, has been operating in The Gambia for over 100 years now.
In line with its core mandate, the two institutions deemed it befitting to partner and show support to the beneficiaries at a presentation ceremony held at both beneficiary institutions, St Johns School for the Deaf in Kanifing and SOS Orphanage in Bakoteh respectively.
Each of the beneficiary institutions received 50 balls.
In addition, the gesture was designed to promote grassroot sport, thus creating conducive learning environment for students in both institutions.
In his remarks, Pieter Ouerbeek, Managing Director CFAO expressed delight to be associated with the event to support students with footballs.
“When we look at sports and the impact it has on youth and on our lives, especially girls, sports teach us discipline, achievement, teamwork. There is nothing but positive initiative especially when you get kids involved in sports. When we look at that, we think what kind of contribution we can make to The Gambia.”
He thus urged the two beneficiary schools to use the items for its intended purpose.
“Don’t leave them in the boxes or rooms, get them out with the students, get them out with the boys, get them playing.”
These footballs, he reminded, are pretty very special with special constructions, urging them not to deflate it as they don’t need air pump.
“You do not need a needle to inflate them, they should last a good long while.”
Ogura Kaoru, from Yamaha Motors in Japan noted that every year they donate one thousand soccer balls within six countries in Africa and have been at it for six years now.
Kaoru described the initiative as laudable as giving sufficient balls to beginners such as school football, is really commendable.
“The Yamaha Motors Japan is pleased to be associated with the CFAO in this. CFAO has a social commitment to Gambians and I think this is one of the areas we can do it better.”
Jean Pierre Kouamin, Country Director, SOS Children Village, Bakoteh, while hailing the initiative, underscored the importance of promoting sports especially football to help unleash the potentials of children.
Football, he went on, has the power to bring people together, thus strengthening social cohesion.
“This is the concept and philosophy that CFAO and Yamaha have and we should all help to share those concepts.”
For his part, Joseph Mendy, Principal of St Johns School for the Deaf, thanked the donors for the gesture, while assuring that the donated items would be put to good use for the well-being of the students and the betterment of the school.
Mendy called for more partnerships like the one they had with both CFAO and Yamaha to help lessen the burden on his institution as far as grassroot sports development is concerned.
