By: Haddy Touray
United Democratic Party (UDP) Secretary General and Party Leader Ousainu A.M. Darboe on Saturday called for increased investment in sports development as he officially opened a football tournament in Foni Bullock.
Speaking at the opening ceremony organised by the Bullock Sports Association, Darboe thanked the organisers for inviting the UDP to sponsor the tournament, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to promoting grassroots sports.
He said the tournament provides young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talent while promoting unity and social cohesion within the community.
Darboe expressed confidence that Foni Bullock could produce future national team players and professional footballers, noting that Gambian youth possess the talent to compete at the highest level if provided with adequate support and opportunities.
“We have the talent,” he said, adding that greater investment in sports would help young athletes realise their full potential.
The UDP leader predicted significant growth in Gambian sports over the next decade, not only in football but also in athletics, wrestling and other sporting disciplines.
He urged young people to remain committed to developing their talents, saying sustained investment in sports would create employment and other opportunities for the country’s youth.
Darboe also cautioned young Gambians against undertaking irregular migration, commonly known as the “backway”, urging them to pursue opportunities at home instead of risking their lives on dangerous journeys abroad.
“Youth, let us leave the backway. Everybody wants something, but let us not risk our lives. We can achieve it here,” he said.
He further called for the establishment of more football academies to identify and nurture young talent through structured training programmes.
The opening ceremony was attended by community members, sports officials and supporters from across the Foni region.