By: Alieu Ceesay
Through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Gambia government is hosting the second Interregional African Ministerial meeting on anti-doping on 21 January 2025 at the Sir Dawda Jawara Kairaba Conference Centre in Bijilo. This convergence is the second of its kind on the African continent.
The theme is “Enhancing Africa’s Sports Governance: Fostering Inter-regional Cooperation and Convergence for Sport Values, Ethics, and Integrity.”
The convergence also allows Sports Ministers in Africa and other European countries to share expertise on driving sports for life.
Bakary Badjie, the Gambia Youth and Sports Minister, highlights the impact of this session on the country’s sports development and on bringing Gambian sports to standard with values and ethics.
Badjie stated that the meeting would enable the Gambia to have a unique opportunity to engage in a much-needed dialogue on addressing the challenges faced by the effects of doping in sports.
He said that doping is one of the challenges that hinder the advancement of sports, which seems to be a global challenge to keep athletes with the necessary strength to perform
“This meeting would consolidate our collective responsibility to promote continental unity and collaboration in sports and, most importantly, to reform the vision we all shared as ministers and as organizations that work in the area of doping and general protection of the integrity of our sports.” Gambian Youth and Sports Minister stated during his opening statement.
Mr. Matar Bâ, the former Senegalese sports minister who also chairs the Ninth session of the Conference of Parties to UNISON’s International Convention against Doping in Sports, believes that collective responsibility is needed to strengthen sports in the African region. He further states that education and awareness must be a cornerstone of improving this need. He urged colleagues to participate in Corp 10 to amplify African voices in the world of sports.
Ms Gabriela Ramos, UNISCO’s assistant director General for social and human Sciences, highlighted the need for more women and girls to participate in sports and discouraged the harassment and discrimination of women in sports.
“We know that discrimination, harassment or violence lead girls and women to drop out from sports, in 43% of cases, and this is not acceptable.”
Declaring the forum open, Vice President Mr Muhammad B.S. Jallow discourages all Forms of sports malpractice and calls for fair play in sporting games.
“Sports must be conducted fairly to eradicate cheating; cheating must not be condoned. Such tactics are unfair and therefore contravene the principle of decency and sportsmanship.” VP Jallow stated
He assured the delegation of the Gambia’s commitment to anti-doping. He employed delegates to educate and raise awareness among both professionals and amateurs about the dangers of sports doping.
He said eradicating doping in sports would enhance fair play and excellence, allowing awards to be given in fair manners and setting standards.
Other speakers include Minata Samatè Cessouma, the African Union’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, and Ms Miatta Lilly, the French ECOWAS resident representative. Both assure their union’s commitment to developing sports in the African region.
