The National Sports Council (NSC), represented by its Communications and Public Relations Manager, Sara Camara, participated in both the opening and closing ceremonies of FESTIBAD 2026, held from 7–9 August 2026, representing the Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council.
Held under the theme “Celebrating Badminton, Building Communities, Inspiring the Next Generation,” FESTIBAD 2026 brought together children, young people, Physical Education teachers, coaches, leaders and other stakeholders to promote badminton and strengthen grassroots sports development in The Gambia.
A total of 15 Physical Education teachers from across the country participated in the programme, gaining practical knowledge and skills through the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Shuttle Time programme. The training is expected to enable the teachers to take badminton back to their respective schools and communities, creating wider opportunities for young people to participate in the sport.
The programme was implemented through a partnership involving the Gambia Badminton Association, Badminton World Federation (BWF), Shuttle Time, Badminton Confederation of Africa, The Fajara Club Gambia and Fajara Shuttles.
One of the major highlights of FESTIBAD 2026 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Fajara Club and the Gambia Badminton Association. The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions and provide a more structured platform for training, national team development and badminton competitions.
Speaking during the closing ceremony on behalf of the Acting Executive Director of the NSC, Sara Camara congratulated the organisers, trainers, teachers, young participants and partners for the successful completion of the programme.
He emphasised that the conclusion of FESTIBAD 2026 should not be viewed as the end of the initiative, but rather as the beginning of a new chapter for badminton development in The Gambia.
Camara further commended the Gambia Badminton Association for its commitment to grassroots development and reaffirmed the importance of initiatives that combine capacity building, youth empowerment and sports development.