The 8th AIPS Africa Congress, which concluded on Sunday the 8th February in Banjul, has been described as historic by leaders of the international sports journalism body, as delegates begin their departure on Monday the 9th of February.

Gianni Merlo, the President of AIPS Global praised the level of engagement and recognition shown during the congress, saying “Never in the past, there were not as many important people that come to listen to us. I am very happy because such an event has never been done like this before.”

Similarly, Abdoulaye Thiam, the President of AIPS Africa, highlighted the significance of the opening ceremony, noting the high-level political presence. “This is the first time that a Vice-President of the Republic has presided over the opening ceremony of our Congress, and we are honored by this strong show of attention and consideration for African sports journalists,” Thiam said.

The congress attracted high-level dignitaries, including Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia; Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sports; Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, Ghana’s Minister of Sports; Khady Diéne Gaye, Senegal’s Minister of Sports and Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee among others.

The congress, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, brought together sports journalists and stakeholders from across Africa, marking a milestone for The Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG).

By Ebrima KB Sonko