Minister Badjie made the remarks during the unveiling of the newly appointed coaches in athletics and volleyball by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Sports Council on Wednesday.
The unveiling was held at the National Sports Council office at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
“I want to thank the associations concerned for surviving and excelling without salaries attached to their coaches all these whiles. I want to believe that now with the appointment of these new coaches, they will do even better,” he said.
He congratulated the newly appointed coaches - Mariama Sallah for national athletics, Mam Kewe Ceesay for field athletics and Pa Barrow for volleyball.
The minister reminded the coaches that their job now entails working across the country for their associations, adding that there may well be abundance of talents in rural areas.
Dodou Capi Joof, president of The Gambia Athletics Association, expressed delight with the appointment of coaches.
He explained that this was the first-time both associations had coaches appointed, adding that the two associations have a common problem despite registering tremendous successes under the guidance of voluntary coaches.
“To the athletes and coaches the opportunity we have been yearning for all these years is here now. The onus is on us now,” Joof said.
Bai Dodou Jallow, the president of The Gambia Volleyball Association also expressed delight with the appointment of a coach in volleyball, adding that this is what they have been yearning for.
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