The Gambia Deaf Sports Association has once again made a clarion call for help from the Gambia government and all stakeholders to enable them to participate in the 8th edition of the West African Deaf Football Union championship slated for Aug 3 – 16 in Lome, Togo.
And this time the Association is hoping that their call will not fall on deaf ears, as was the case the last time.
According to the association’s president Momodou Lamin Ceesay who is in fact the vice president of the Confederation of African deaf sports, his association needs to fly 16 players and several officials to Lome for the event which is just over 40 days away.
He revealed that the association has already covered participation fees and cost of traveling papers for the delegation but they have no air tickets and other logistics and this is where they badly need government and sponsors’ assistance.
“The last time we paid all expenses for our team to take part in the championship which was played in Mali and we came out with good performance and a trophy, which we shared with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. We have enough talents and respect around the continent to excel in deaf sports. I am the vice president of the continental body, which in itself is great recognition of the Gambia,” Ceesay told The Standard.
Mr Ceesay said deaf sports has grown roots across Africa and is fully integrated into national sports in many countries except Gambia.“Even the GFF has a role to play in our activities because we represent Gambia in football,” Mr Ceesay said. He lamented many unsuccessful attempts to meet the GFF executive over the last year or so in addition to many unsuccessful requests made to the National sports Council NSC.
In conclusion Mr Ceesay made a direct appeal to President Barrow for his intervention to ensure the team takes part in this West African championship.
The deaf sports association can be reached on 7728092 or 8805599.
