The Germany-based non-profit organization called ‘Kick for Help Foundation’ has donated sport jerseys and other sporting materials to three female football teams of Foni, in West Coast Region (WCR).
It could be noted that the foundation, whose purpose is to “promote sports projects for disadvantaged children, adolescents and young adults”, has chapters in Indian, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Lesotho, and now The Gambia.
The Kick for Help- Gambia project aims to promote social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, promote access to education, health, and sports activities for young people, women, and people living with disabilities. Kick for Help also helps underprivileged and deprived members of their communities through sports and other capacity building training programmes.
The items donated to the Foni teams included three pairs of jerseys, footballs, and a set of first-aid materials (kits) for footballers.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Sibanor, the founder of Kick for Help Foundation, Mr. Norbert Neuser explained the donation of sporting jerseys to a female football club in Sibanor was to empower girls in playing football. He said they have projects in different countries, and they all follow the same target, which is to empower people not only women or girls, but also boys through football, to come out with fair play, responsibility and team building.
“Now, we have the chance to start the project in the Gambia here, for the first time. I am very glad to do this and in the future, we will always support with equipment,” Neuser told the beneficiaries. Noting his organization is three years old since its inception, Neuser believes sports, particularly football, is a good instrument in developed societies, especially for the young ones.
He also urged the female club to have regular training, make the best use of the donated jerseys to enjoy playing football, and be educated with responsibility.
Kick for Help’s Gambian Ambassador-cum-Executive Director responsible for coordinating and implementing its activities and projects in The Gambia, Mr. Omar M. Bah said he’s passionate about empowering girls and women in sports. He regards girls’ involvement in sports as an empowerment for them as they are allowed to show their talents. He indicated that Sibanor is just the beginning as other female teams would be empowered.
Mr. Ismaila Drammeh, Head Coach of Sibanor Female Football club, expressed delights in receiving the donation from the Kick for Help. He promised Neuser and his team that the donated materials would be utilized for their rightful purposes.
He also held the donation was very timely because they were just from playing a third division match in which they were the winners, but the girls don’t have many jerseys.
Coach Drammeh acknowledged Kick for Help Foundation has now eased the burden on them regarding the issue of sports jerseys; and that this particular donation would go a long way in helping the team.
