by Alieu Ceesay
A displeased Chairman of the National Sports Council, George Gomez has told The Fatu Network that he felt annoyed and disrespected by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Gomez, who is reported to have appointed a new chairman for the Council.
“I have not been officially notified but only read it on the standard Newspaper on Thursday. I was surprised and disappointed because I got a letter appointing me [as chairman] for two years. And I took the appointment after discussions with the ministry and I was convinced to take it up considering my record in sports development,” he told this reporter from the United Kingdom.
Gomez, who is currently in the United Kingdom said professionalism, dictates that a courtesy should have been given to him with an official letter written to him.
“Courtesy dictates that they should write to me but until now as I am speaking to you they have not written to me.”
Gomez was appointed chairman of the Council by Minister Henry Gomez.
The seasoned sports administrator said he had attempted to reach the Minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Gomez but could not reach him on the matter upon reading it on the media.
The former GNOC and GFF football administrator said he had made plans for Minister Gomez to be in UK to meet up with officials of Kits Aid, Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United and Commonwealth Games Federation as well to discuss possible partnership for the development of sports.
Since his appointment, George Gomez has appointed sports ambassadors in several countries who will help popularize and raise funds for the development of Gambian sports.
On the Senegambia Run, which he conceived few months ago, Gomez said the Run will be the second longest run in the world. “In my five year development plan which I presented to President Barrow, I suggested many things and one thing which is very close to my heart is the establishment of a Sports Institute for Training where we can train our youth, athletes, administrators and journalists to have professional certification.”
Gomez reminded the public that Sports Council should not be used to fight a cause, but is here for development. “I don’t used the sports council to fight and the infighting in our sports must be stopped.”
The Standard Newspaper last week reported that Mr Borri Darboe was appointed the newly chairman of the National Sports Council.
In an Interview with the Standard Newspaper, Darboe reacted to his appointment saying, “I am very humbled by the trust bestowed on me and I take it as a big challenge which I am also ready to execute to the best of my ability.”
Darboe assured all sports associations, officials and athletes that his coming is an opportunity for a new beginning in terms of confidence, reconciliation and dedication for sports and sportsmen and women.
