By: Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) has officially launched a five-day Technical Coaching Course aimed at enhancing the skills of handball coaches across the country.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote “Sport for All” and increase grassroots participation, the GNOC, in collaboration with the Gambia Handball Association, organized the course, which runs from September 15th to 19th at the Seaview Garden Hotel in Kololi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, GNOC First Vice President and President of the Gambia Handball Association, Commissioner Lamin King Colley, expressed his satisfaction at seeing the initiative come to fruition.
“This program is designed to enhance the coaching skills and knowledge of the selected participants,” Commissioner Colley said. “I’m confident it will significantly boost the experience and capabilities of our coaches.”
The Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mahmud Jawla, reaffirmed the government’s continued support for sports development and encouraged participants to remain committed beyond the classroom.
“We will continue to invest in developing Gambian sports. Let’s focus on our people, our athletes, and our communities—these are the pillars of our sports development ecosystem,” Jawla stated.
Course Director Dr. Tarek Ahmed from Egypt emphasized the importance of the training in laying a foundation for the sport’s growth in The Gambia.
“I’m here to help improve the level of handball in The Gambia,” Dr. Ahmed said. “It’s a pleasure to be part of this journey, and I believe this course marks the beginning of many positive developments for the Gambia Handball Association.”
Yorro Njie, Secretary General of the GNOC, highlighted the organization’s commitment to capacity building as a key pillar of its development agenda.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the GNOC for their continued support,” Njie said. “Let’s reaffirm our shared commitment to the development of handball in The Gambia. With unity and effort, success at all levels is within reach.”