By: Madi Senghore
Members of The Gambia’s National U-16 Basketball Team have appealed to the authorities over what they describe as a prolonged delay in receiving compensation promised following a road accident involving the team more than a year ago.
One of the players contacted the media to express concern over the alleged failure to compensate members of the team who sustained injuries in the accident while travelling to Guinea-Conakry to represent The Gambia.
According to the player, several young athletes sustained serious injuries, with some reportedly left with permanent scars.
The player also claimed that the medical expenses of some of the affected athletes were not fully covered despite the severity of their injuries.
He said the team was assured shortly after the incident that compensation would be provided within weeks. However, he said the promised payment had yet to be made more than a year later, with the affected players also awaiting a clear update from the authorities.
The prolonged delay has reportedly caused frustration among the young athletes, particularly as they were travelling to Guinea-Conakry to represent The Gambia in national colours.
The player said he and some of his teammates had decided to bring the matter to the attention of the media in the hope of attracting the authorities’ attention and finding a lasting solution.
The affected players are calling for accountability, support and clarification on the status of the compensation they say was promised following the accident.
They have urged the relevant authorities to address their concerns and ensure that the welfare of the young athletes affected by the incident is given due consideration.
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