On Wednesday the 8th of June 2022, SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia and ASPTT for the first time in The Gambia launched the Kidisport Initiative in The Gambia.
ASPTT Federation Omnisports is an organization in France that promotes inclusive sport. As part of strategies to support their mandate, They have a project called Kidisport which is aimed at offering children aged 3-9 years including those with mental and motor disabilities with physical and sports activities. Already launched in Senegal and Cape Verde.
The initiative aims to build and strengthen a generalized motor program among kids eg; running, jumping, crawling, sliding, rolling, pushing, pulling, judo, karate, wrestling, basketball, handball, football, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton long jump, sprint, endurance, floor gymnastics.
Delivering her statement on behalf of the National Director SOS Children’s Villages , Mrs Mariam Jaye Sowe highlighted the importance of partnership whilst thanking ASPTT for believing and choosing SOS Children’s Villages partnership to implement this initiative.
She further highlighted the importance of sports in the development of children which help children develop physical skills, get exercise, make friends, have fun, learn teamwork, learn to play fair, and improve their self-esteem which is in connection to the organization’s purpose to ensure each child and young person grows up with the bond they need to become their strongest selves.
The ASPTT representative , Allan took the opportunity to thank SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia for their work in promoting the rights of children in The Gambia and looking forward for a fruited partnership with SOS Children’s Villages in the implementation of the Kidisport Initiative. Earlier that day ASPTT and SOS Children’s Villages signed an MoU to strengthen the partnership.
Officially launching the Kidisport Initiative, Honorable Minister for Youths and Sport of The Gambia Mr. Bakary Y Badjie recognizes SOS Children’s Villages presence in The Gambia as a long term development partners promoting the rights and welfare of children in The Gambia. He thanked SOS Children’s Villages and ASPTT for this initiative and assure them of his Ministry’s support.
He also took the opportunity to interact with some of SOS Youth participants during the event.
