African Dream Project Kicks Off in Gambia

BANJUL (FIVB) - The Gambia Volleyball Federation (GVBF) has adopted the African Dream Project, a development programme initiated by FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F°.

Date: 23 February 2015 - 21:13

News ID: ۱۱۳۰۲

The programme focuses on promoting volleyball in schools. It will see centres set up that will be used to develop and identify athletes at a young age and provide them with the tools to develop as volleyball players.
Gambia Volleyball Federation President Mr Yunusa Barry thanked Dr. Graça for the support the programme provides.
"The African Dream Project is a stepping stone for the development of volleyball in our country and will aid in the promotion of the game at a grassroots level," Barry said. "Gambia is expected to become a major power of the game in the near future, as we have a lot of young people with the talent and strength to play the sport.
"We are tasked with the mission of discovering new players who will join our talent centers. This federation would not be able to take on this project alone, and stakeholders like the Ministry of Sports and Education and the national Olympic Committee will also be involved."
Interior Minister Ousman Sonko, who deputised for the Minister of Sports, congratulated the executive of the Gambia Volleyball Federation and extended his sincere thanks to the FIVB president. Sonko urged coordinators and coaches to select kids based on their potential, regardless of tribe, race, religion or origin. He reminded coaches that: "To whom much is given, much is expected," and called for all to make good use of the project.
Sonko advised children to dedicate themselves to the project and maintain discipline. He concluded by officially launching the project.
Four centers have been set up across the country.
1. Banjul (Banjul City Council) - Alagie Ceesay (Coordinator), Ebrima Niass
(Coach)
2. Serre Kunda East (Kanifing Municipality) - Alfousainey Jarju (Coordinator), Alagie Babou Joof (Coach)
3. Brikama (West Coast Region) - Lamin A. Jammeh (Coordinator), Pa Barrow
(Coach)
4. Farra Fenni (North Bank Region) - Yankuba Manjang (Coordinator), Pa Amat Jeng (Coach)

The launch was attended by representatives from the Gambia National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and Sport, the National Sports Council, other national federations and by members of the press.