In a show of strong support for The Gambia’s national football team, The Scorpion, the Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) presented a cheque for one million dalasi (D1, 000,000) to the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024. The ceremony held at the PURA’s main office along Kairaba Avenue, was a symbolic demonstration of support for the nation’s sports history in recent times.

The significant donation from PURA comes on the heels of the Scorpions’ second qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition 2024, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast later this year.

Yusupha M. Jobe, the Director General of PURA, underscored the historical importance of the Gambia’s national squad participation in the continental event, saying that is a remarkable milestone achievement for the country.

On behalf of PURA’s Board, Management and staff, DG Jobe said the landmark gesture is in keeping with the Authority’s unflinching support of the National Development Plan (NDP) of President Adama Barrow and his government. The one-million-dalasi cheque presented by PURA was described as an integral part of the institution’s corporate social contribution to The Gambia and her people, demonstrating PURA’s love and commitment to the development of sports in the country.

Bakary K. Jammeh, the 1st Vice President of the Gambia Football Federation, who double as the chairperson of NCC commended PURA for being the first public institution to contribute to the fund-raising drive for the AFCON 2024 campaign. He hailed the generous donation as a significant boost to the national cause while stressing the importance of investing in sports as a vital aspect of nation-building.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the NCC, Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, expressed heartfelt appreciation to PURA for the laudable gesture and unwavering support toward the enhancement of sports in the Gambia. Minister Badjie highlighted the tremendous achievements in sports over the past years, particularly at the continental level. He also recognized the crucial role sports play in uniting diverse communities and inspiring hope among the youth in footballing nations.

He lauded PURA for taking the lead among public institutions by making a substantial contribution toward the Gambia’s participation in AFCON 2024, emphasizing that such complementary gestures are instrumental in the context of national development.

The Minister concluded by expressing optimism about the positive impact this support will have on The Scorpions’ participation in AFCON 2024, as well as the broader sports development in the Gambia.