President Barrow Rewards Gambia U 17 Football and Volleyball Teams D2M Each

Published verbatim from a statement by the State House of The Gambia.

His Excellency Adama Barrow, today received the national U-17 Scorpions football players, their technical team, and officials of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), accompanied by the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badgie, at the State House.

The purpose of the audience was to present the ‘WAFU A’ U-17 Trophy to the President following the team’s victory against Senegal which secured their qualification for the African Cup of Nations next year.

In recognition of their achievement, President Barrow rewarded the U17 Scorpions and The Gambia’s Volleyball teams with two million Dalasis each.

President Barrow congratulated the U-17 Scorpions for the historic victory. While quoting Nelson Mandela “If you’re committed you can achieve anything in life,” he encouraged the young champions to remain confident, disciplined, and committed and to stay away from drugs. He emphasised that football should be taken as a business, as it has the power to transform lives.

President Barrow further assured GFF that his government has never interfered, and will never interfere, in their day-to-day affairs. He urged them to represent the nation diligently and consider the government as a partner in sports development.

Several speakers, including the Coach of the young champions, Yahya Manneh, and the President of The Gambia Football Federation, Kemo Ceesay, expressed sincere appreciation to the President for his massive investments in sports over the years. Notably, the O.J. Jallow Memorial Field and the National Stadium that are yielding dividends in infrastructure and economic development.

The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie also commended the players for bringing joy to the nation. He assured that the Barrow government will continue to advance sports development at all levels.