The Gambia today plays host to a high-level gathering on anti-doping in sport organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with UNESCO Anti-Doping Secretariat in Paris.
The august event, which brought together African sports ministers, members of the COP 9 Bureau, and representatives of regional and international organisations, was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
Themed “Enhancing Africa’s Sports Governance: Fostering Inter-Regional Cooperation and Convergence for Sport Values, Ethics, and Integrity,” the meeting aimed to strengthen ethical standards and foster collaboration among key stakeholders in the sports sector across the continent.
Delivering his opening statement, Bakary Y. Badjie, minister for Youth and Sports, highlighted the importance of the event to The Gambia.
“This meeting is a significant milestone, underscoring our commitment to ethical sports management and enhancing our influence within the African sports community,” Minister Badjie stated.
He emphasised The Gambia government’s commitment and gratitude in hosting the event, saying: “This initiative is a major investment in the future of sport in Africa. By bringing together top officials and industry leaders, we aim to strengthen sports governance through collaboration.”
Reflecting on The Gambia’s progress, Minister Badjie notes: “Transparency and ethical practices are at the core of our sports policies. Hosting this prestigious event is a testament to our dedication to these values.”
He also stressed the broader significance of the meeting. “This event places The Gambia at the forefront of sports governance in Africa, showcasing our commitment to fairness and integrity,” he added.
Minister Badjie expressed confidence in its impact on the future of sports governance in Africa. “This is a pivotal moment. The outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for a more ethical and unified future in sports,” he emphasised.
The Gambia’s Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow highlighted the government’s commitment to the fourth inter-regional ministerial meeting on anti-doping.
“As a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, The Gambia takes the issue of doping in sport very seriously,” he said. “Hosting this meeting will not only showcase the country’s dedication to a fair and clean sporting environment but also provide an opportunity for international collaboration and the exchange of ideas on how to combat doping in sport.”
He added: “We have full confidence in our ability to host this meeting and showcase The Gambia as a capable and competent country in the global fight against doping in sport.”
VP Jallow indicated that the meeting aimed to strengthen sports governance in Africa by fostering inter-regional collaboration on values, ethics, and integrity, and it had convened ministers, policy makers, and sports professionals to strategic sustainable approaches for sport governance across the continent.
International representative Matar Ba of UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports said sport is the game that unifies people: “We are embarking on the value of sport. In Africa, youth need to be empowered in sport in order to avoid using doping so that they can promote fair play and integrity in the sport.” Mr Ba calls on African governments to support the initiative because it is a platform that provides opportunities for government officials within the sub-region to share ideas and solutions in order to promote ethics, fair play and integrity in sports development in Africa and beyond.
