Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: Sports have become intertwined with politics, garnering international respect and prestige. Nations like Botswana, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries may be small, but they command respect due to their sporting excellence. By adopting these strategies, our country, the Gambia, can develop a strong sports ecosystem that nurtures talent, guarantees high performance, and boosts our global competitiveness.
Is Gambia merely a nation of spectators, an imitator, or a country that innovates and meets every challenge in knowledge, science, sports, and technology? We must evolve beyond being a nation with a youthful, healthy population that only watches and imitates, to become competitors and innovators. Gambia has a deep passion for sports, making it essential for the government to enact proper sports development policies, to assign sports management to those with expertise, enthusiasm, and experience, and to prevent the politicization of the Ministry of Sports. We should aim to match the youth of other nations in global sports competitions. At present, as I follow the U20 Athletic Championship in Lima, Peru, I notice the absence of the Gambian flag and the limited presence and impact of our representatives. I hope for a revival akin to the era of Father Gough, James Abraham, Alpha Khan, Ousman Sabally, and other physical education instructors to rejuvenate our interschool sports.
Youth from across the globe, from nations large and small, both developed and developing, participate in a wide array of track and field events. This includes both boys and girls engaging in accessible and affordable sports such as javelin, shot put, long jump, track, and other varsity sports. Unfortunately, Gambia’s presence in track and field is limited mainly to running, and even in this category, we lack strong competitors. The question arises: what is the purpose of having a Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Police Training School? It might as well be called the “Ministry of Youth and Football”, since football seems to be the ministry’s primary focus for the youth. Persisting with the same approach yet expecting different outcomes is futile. Many unsustainable roles within the ministries of youth and sports must be eliminated to achieve progress.
As it becomes increasingly apparent that The Gambia did not secure even a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, the disappointment among many Gambians is palpable. A friend suggested dismantling the Sports Ministry, a sentiment I share, given its underperformance in areas other than football, which receives the lion’s share of attention.
A thorough reassessment of our sports management strategies is overdue. Merely analyzing our performance in World Championships and Olympics is insufficient. We must undertake a complete overhaul of our sports infrastructure. The Gambia has the potential to excel, as evidenced by the achievements of nations like Botswana and Qatar. It is crucial to discern the reasons behind our shortcomings and the necessary steps to rectify them.
While I’m not a sports administrator, the subject has always captured my interest. One doesn’t need to be an administrator to offer suggestions, which is what I aim to do today. Firstly, eliminating the Ministry is not a solution. We don’t solve problems by creating bigger ones. A ministry or another formal entity is necessary to oversee sports management. Sports management can be undertaken by anyone, regardless of whether they are athletes. It involves a systematic approach. In my view, we should focus on the following: investing in sports infrastructure and facilities. It’s imperative to construct, improve, and maintain our sports facilities. Providing athletes with the environment needed for elite training is essential. They require access to top-tier equipment and resources for both training and competition, which our stadiums should be equipped to provide.
Talent Identification and Development: It’s crucial to establish Grassroots Programs that identify and nurture young talent from an early age, reminiscent of the inter-school competitions of the past, to ensure a continuous flow of skilled athletes. Where and how can this be achieved?
In Schools and Sports Academies: By investing in sports education and specialized training academies dedicated to cultivating future athletes.
Coaching and Support Staff: There is a need to employ expert coaches and support staff.
We should recruit experienced and successful coaches, including international experts when necessary, to raise the standard of training. Additionally, it’s important to build a comprehensive support system comprising sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists to aid athletes in their training.
Funding and sponsorship are crucial, yet they come with a high cost. The government cannot shoulder this burden alone. Increasing government funding for sports is necessary to provide essential financial support for training, facilities, and global exposure. However, we must also encourage private sector involvement through sponsorships and partnerships. This additional support can offer athletes enhanced opportunities. Private sector corporations have successfully supported sports in many countries for years. Banks, telecommunications, and oil and gas companies have the potential to contribute. Nonetheless, the terms must be transparent to motivate them.
Developing a robust sports culture and garnering public support extends beyond the Ministry’s duties. It is a collective endeavor that demands public engagement. Promoting sports and physical activity through national campaigns, media coverage, and community events is essential. Such initiatives will not only support our athletes but also cultivate national pride.
The Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” encapsulates the essence of engaging in sports, whether competitively or recreationally. We should initiate a campaign that promotes similar values of sporting and physical activity. Gaining international exposure and competition is crucial through consistent, well-managed participation in global events, which provides experience and familiarity with high-level contests. Training camps overseas, with established sports programs, offer valuable learning opportunities from their expertise and practices, made possible through sponsorship. Monitoring and evaluation are vital; we must conduct regular performance reviews for each athlete.
It’s necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of athletes and sports programs continuously. Developing a feedback system for this initiative is imperative, alongside a process for ongoing feedback and modification of training regimens based on performance results. Sharing this data with current and potential sponsors is essential. Incentives and motivation play a significant role; we should reward successful athletes and coaches with financial rewards, scholarships, and accolades to encourage peak performance. In the U.S., colleges and universities often recruit individuals with strong skills to study specific subjects. Moreover, we must establish long-term career support, offering career guidance and opportunities to athletes and coaches after retirement, ensuring they have security and motivation throughout their sports careers. It’s time to move past the era where coaches and officials have to solicit funds from international athletes.
These initiatives must be grounded in robust government policy and governance reform. Nepotism, bribery, corruption, and abuse must be eradicated. Comprehensive sports reform is also necessary to guarantee honesty, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of sports programs.
It’s imperative to establish strong anti-corruption measures to reassure sponsors who contribute financially. Implementing stringent controls to curb corruption and mismanagement in sports administration is essential.
Inclusion and diversity are paramount. The Gambia’s rich tapestry of peoples and cultures necessitates broad participation. It’s vital to ensure representation from all societal segments without compromising on quality and competence.
Fatoumatta: Track and field athletics have grown increasingly important to the economy, earning international respect and prestige. Regardless of a nation’s size, countries such as The Gambia are gaining significant recognition for their athletic prowess in track and field and other sports. By implementing sports policies and establishing necessary infrastructure, The Gambia can develop a robust sports ecosystem that nurtures talent, ensures high performance on the global stage, and enhances its international competitiveness, all without the influence of politicization.
