The Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mahmoud L. Jawla, has officially launched a 10-day intensive volleyball coaching training program in collaboration with the Gambia Volleyball Federation (GVBF) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Empowerment Program. The training, which focuses on beach and indoor volleyball coaching techniques, began on November 28, 2024, at the Friendship Hotel in Bakau and will run until December 7, 2024.
In his opening remarks, Jawla underscored the importance of the initiative for volleyball development in The Gambia. He to the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected GNOC President, Bai Dodou Jallow, and his executive team, while also acknowledging Pa Baboucarr Barrow’s recent achievement of completing a Level 3 coaching certification in Thailand.
“This is the second engagement of the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Sports Council in supporting the Gambia National Volleyball Federation to train coaches. Within six months, Pa Baboucarr Barrow and Amadou Jarju have benefited from this support,” Jawla said.
He highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to sports development under Hon. Minister Bakary Y. Badjie, noting significant investments in sports federations. Jawla praised the FIVB Empowerment Program as a transformative initiative for advancing coaching expertise in The Gambia and beyond.
“The government of The Gambia is proud to associate with this important occasion, which represents a significant milestone for volleyball in the country. The FIVB Empowerment Program is a commendable initiative aimed at transferring critical knowledge, and the Gambia Volleyball Federation is on the right track,” he stated.
Jawla, before declaring the training program officially open, expressed his gratitude to FIVB for selecting The Gambia to host this program and providing an experienced instructor to lead the sessions. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained effectively and to spread it across the nation.
Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the GVBF and GNOC, also addressed the participants, thanking FIVB and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their steadfast support. Jallow reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to developing volleyball and enhancing the skills of local coaches.
The training, running daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, aims to provide coaches with advanced techniques to elevate the performance of Gambian athletes. It represents a pivotal step in The Gambia’s efforts to strengthen its volleyball infrastructure and solidify its presence on the international stage.
The program’s success is expected to leave a lasting impact on the country’s volleyball landscape, enhancing the skills of local coaches and ensuring the sport continues to thrive nationally and internationally.