As the U21 Basketball team departs for the Amilcar Cabral U21 Basketball Tournament in Guinea-Bissau, the Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawla, delivered a powerful message of encouragement, emphasizing the gravity of their responsibility as they represent the entire nation.
In his send-off remarks, Mr. Jawla highlighted the significance of the national flag that was handed over to the team, symbolizing the collective hopes and dreams of over two million Gambians. “This flag holds a vast meaning, as it carries the weight of the entire nation’s expectations. You are not just basketball players, you are ambassadors of The Gambia,” he stated, underlining the immense responsibility the team carries as they step onto the international stage.
He called on the players to ensure that their performance, behavior, and overall conduct reflect the values and traditions of The Gambia. “Your attitude, comportment, and even the way you dress should align with the discipline The Gambia is known for. You have the ability to portray our country at the highest level, and through you, people who may not know about The Gambia will learn about our culture and our discipline,” he added.
Drawing parallels with football, Mr. Jawla noted how sports have already made significant contributions to the Gambian economy, particularly through remittances from professional athletes abroad. He expressed optimism that basketball could follow a similar path and urged the players to work towards becoming professionals themselves. “With determination, hard work, discipline, and respect, you can make it to the NBA. The Gambia is known for peace and discipline, and I believe that if you put your hearts into it, you will bring something back—whether it be the trophy or medals. The entire nation is behind you,” he encouraged.
Mr. Jawla’s message was clear: the team is not only representing The Gambia in competition but also showcasing the nation’s values to the world. As they embark on this historic journey, the entire country stands united in hope and anticipation for their success.