The programme was launched by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in partnership with the Namibian Paralympic Committee (NPC).
The programme brought together over 80 participants from seventeen (17) African countries for coaching and classification training.
Coach Hagie Drammeh and Ebrima Carvalho, a senior athlete represented The Gambia National Paralympic Committee (GNPC).
Participants with disabilities were equipped on brand management among others while other officials were taken through the latest trends in athletics, powerlifting and classification.
Drammeh and Carvalho participated in the training to enhance sports in The Gambia.
This development also portrays that the National Paralympic Committee of The Gambia is committed to support coaches such as Hagie Drammeh and Ebrima Carvalho.
The training programme was viewed as a big step forward for sports in The Gambia, more especially for people with disabilities.
The training was expected to enhance Drammeh and Ebrima Carvalho with new skills, meet other athletes and coaches cross Africa.
The duo will bring back knowledge to help more Gambians succeed in sports.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Region 5, Stanley Mutoya, acknowledged the crucial role played by the coaches in identifying and developing talents.
Mutoya stated that the training was aimed at empowering coaches with the latest techniques and knowledge to guide athletes.
Hagie Drammeh expressed happiness for representing The Gambia in Namibia, adding that the new techniques he learned from the training would help athletes reach their dreams.
Coach Drammeh noted that the training was not just about lifting weights, it’s about lifting each other.
Coach Drammeh thanked the International Paralympic Committee and the Namibian Paralympic Committee for the trust and confidence they have in him.
Ebrima Carvalho, a senior athlete, expressed delight for attending the training in Namibia, adding that he learned to show the world what Gambians can do.
‘‘We want to inspire others at home to join us and believe in themselves,” Carvalho said.
