The Gambia Judo Association recently participated in the second edition of the Reflection Day on African Judo held in N’djamena, Chad.
The country was represented in the convergence by the Association’s media and communication officer Mr. Solomon Correa.
Some 21 judo federations from both Francophone and Anglophone countries took part and they discussed the need for a more participatory and effective management of African Judo, and reflected on ideas, expectations and discussions on Chad’s Abakar Djermah’s candidacy for president of African Judo Union.
The Chadian is running against Thierry Randrianasoloniaiko of Madagascar to succeed Habib Sissoko of Mali in the general election of the African Judo Union slated for May 18 in Morocco.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Correa expressed pleasure with Mr. Abakar’s strategy and vision, which according to him are prerequisites for the development of African judo.
He noted that everything Africa so badly needed in order to achieve real change is succinctly spelt out in Mr. Abakar’s roadmap as well as his strategy and vision
Following the convergence Mr. Correa was touted a nominee candidate in Abakar’s proposed executive for the position of director of training and education.
However, he suggested that the role of policy-makers should be accorded due consideration, given their influence on participation in sporting events.
Abakar’s priorities include promoting development zones in Africa, transform administrative structure, create judo base for management of regional and national competitions and launching of a licensing system at $ 10 annually among others.
“A real Pan-African movement is emerging; Africans will now be able to take their destiny in their own hands in order to leave a befitting legacy for the younger generation,” Correa stated.
The Gambia has a strong stake in African Judo boasting of the likes of Faye Njie, the toss of the country in the sport.
