In the framework of a fruitful implementation of the African Dream Project and for the even administration of the project, Gambia Volleyball Federation has been continuously dialoging with the stakeholders i.e. NOC, Ministry of Youths and Sports and Ministry of Education to additionally inform them on the projects. The management team led by Project Director Bai Dodou Jallow met with stakeholders at the Sports council office last week
In his welcoming statements, Project Director Bai Dodou Jallow highlighted the activities undertaken during the first 4 months of the project. He said the project was launched officially in February but before that training had commenced at the centers in December 2014. He stated that the executive of Gambia volleyball federation had set up a management committee led by him with the assistance from the Treasurer and the Press officer of the Federation.
The management team runs the affairs and wellbeing of the participants and pays monthly inspection to all the centers. He told the meeting the implementation of the African Dream Project first quarter was a success as the Gambia was ranked among the 5 top in the 37 beneficiary nations across Africa, he laid down the minimal participation of girls as the biggest challenge.
“It is a commendable move and I must said I am impressed with the Gambia volleyball federation for the rapid change made in Gambian volleyball and this project is worthwhile,” Pascal Camara of the National Sports Council stated. He advises the federation to involve parents and keep monitoring the center coaches.
The development officer of National Sports Council Ebou Secka thanks the GVBF and applauded them for the steadfastness and commitment. “Government alone cannot do it so when National sporting associations/federation implements such projects they must be commended. You should start sending in your report so that we can file them in your file and we will read them at the National assembly,” Secka advised.
“The involvement of National assembly members, politicians, communities, schools and parents is important and will help in the validation process.” The treasurer of Gambia Volleyball federation Marie Wadda also expressed similar sentiments.
Meanwhile the president of Gambia Volleyball Federation Yunusa Barry has reaffirmed his continuous support to the African Dream project. He advised the coaches to strategize their plans and make good use of the project to train and equip the kids on the basics of the game. “The dream Project is a pilot project of FIVB President Dr Ary Graca and Gambia is among the few countries in Africa that benefited from it so is a pride as well as a challenge so we should work hard,” Barry said.
He made this remarks on Saturday at Center one training ground in Banjul where he paid a courtesy call on the project management team.
He acknowledged his Federation’s willingness to promote grass root volleyball. ‘’ I want to see every school going Gambian kid playing volleyball and that is the goal of Dr Ary Graca FIVB president, that’s why he is funding this project. He dreams to see one day an African Volleyball team on the gold medal Podium at the World Level so we should make him to see that and God willing it will be Gambia.
Muhammed L Saidykhan
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