The Gambia Badminton Association, in collaboration with the Badminton Confederation Africa, today launched a one-week Shuttle Time Training Programme for teachers at the GNOC Hall on Bertil Harding Highway. The training, which runs from August 26 to September 2, 2024, aims to enhance the skills of physical education teachers in promoting badminton across schools in The Gambia.
Addressing the participants at the opening ceremony, Mahmoud L. Jawla, the Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council, expressed his excitement at being part of this crucial initiative. He emphasized the importance of grassroots development in sports, noting that teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent. “If we are to excel, our focus must be at the grassroots level. Teachers are key to this development, and one of the major focuses of our national sports policy is to ensure that grassroots sports are prioritized for the advancement of sports in the country,” Jawla stated.
He urged the teachers to share the knowledge gained from the program with others, extending its benefits beyond the classroom. Jawla also expressed gratitude to the Badminton Confederation Africa for their support, noting that while the government has created an enabling environment for sports, partnerships like this are essential for sustained development. He highlighted that badminton is a sport that requires minimal space, making it accessible in schools and other community areas.
Jawla encouraged the participants to take the training seriously and to pass on their newly acquired skills to further develop the game in The Gambia.
Abdoulie Ceesay, President of the Gambia Badminton Association, also spoke at the event, expressing his honor in leading this important initiative. He described the Shuttle Time program as more than just a training session, but as a significant step towards empowering educators, engaging students, and fostering a love for sports and healthy living among the youth. “By equipping P.E. teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to introduce badminton in schools, we are not only broadening the horizon of the education system but also nurturing the next generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts,” Ceesay remarked.
Ceesay thanked the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation Africa for their partnership and commitment, which made the event possible. He also expressed confidence that the skills and knowledge gained by the P.E. teachers will have a lasting impact on their communities. He called on all participants to work together to make badminton a popular and accessible sport for all school children in The Gambia.
Other speakers at the event included Yoro Njie, Secretary General of GNOC, Dr. Ahmed Reda, a certified BWF Shuttle Time tutor from Egypt, and Ike Peace Francis, Technical Director of the Gambia Badminton Association.