The decentralization programmme was held at the Fuladu Conference Centre in Bansang on Sunday.
The daylong event brought together People with Disabilities from the Central River Region South.
The participants were drawn from Persons with Disabilities.
The participants were equipped with new knowledge on para-sport activities. The participants were also introduced to issues of development in para-sports in the country and the new Paralympic Brand.
The programme was designed to motivate participants to possess self-confidence about the Paralympic Brand and how to develop athletes.
Paralympic Movement, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the IPC member organizations and the Agitos Foundation were discussed during sessions.
The participants also underwent various disciplines, such as Athletes, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Cycling, Paracanoe, Archery, Wheelchair Tennis, Rowing and Powerlifting.
The Secretary General of The Gambia National Paralympic Committee, Sainey Camara, told participants that the initiative was part of GNPC's recruitment process for the preparation of the regional grand prix games, regional qualification games, continental, classification and the next Paralympics Games set to take place in Los Angeles, United States of America (USA).
Camara revealed that the programme was aimed at getting participants on board for athlete identification and recruit them for the required sporting disciplines which would enable the GNPC to set standard for the training.
“We would look at our strategic plan to see how we can support some of their constraints,” Camara said.
Camara applauded The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) for its support to the GNPC.
Coordinator for People with Disabilities in the Central River Region-South, Alieu Badara Sawyer, described the programme as significant, adding that they gained new knowledge during the training.
“We were not much active in the para-sports activities but through this programme, we have now understood the significance for us to come together and join the Paralympic Committee for the Paralympic Games,” Sawyer said.
