A five-day basic sports medicine course for national associations and federations is currently underway at The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) headquarters in Bakau.
The course, which brings together thirty (30) participants, is aimed at promoting athletes' wellbeing, healthcare and injury prevention.
The course is part of GNOC’s continued efforts in investing in the training and development of administrators, technical officials, medical personnel, and other stakeholders across all sporting structures.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, GNOC executive board member, Abdoulie Momodou Kah, revealed that the GNOC is restructuring various commissions, adding that they now have different commissions in place.
Kah stated that sports medicine is part of the components in sports, while describing security, athletes, coaches, officials and medics as essential components in sports development.
He called on the need to bridge the gap, adding that the first line of defence for those on the ground to be able to manage injuries before a patient reaches the hospital.
Acting Executive Director of National Sports Council, Mahmoud Lamin Jawla, emphasized the significance of the training programme as essential to strengthening sports governance and ensuring the sustainable development of sport in The Gambia.
Jawla revealed that the role of sports medicine practitioners in protecting athletes’ health, preventing injuries, supporting recovery, and promoting long-term athletic development has become more important than ever.
“Knowledge of sports medicine equips our medical personnel with the skills to recognize and manage injuries, respond to medical emergencies, understand the principles of injury prevention, and support athletes in maintaining optimal physical health,” Jawla said.
Jawla stated that the knowledge is important in safeguarding athletes during training sessions, where timely and appropriate medical intervention can make a significant difference.
He added that sports medicine has a direct impact on the careers of our athletes.
Jawla further stated that effective injury prevention and management can reduce time away from competition, facilitate safe recovery, and prolong athletes' careers.
"Proper medical guidance can help athletes to return to competition safely after injury, reduce the risk of further complications," Jawla revealed.
