Glasgow Scotland, July 26, 2026 - Today, at the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) is deeply honoured to formally appoint Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as Goodwill Sports Ambassador of the Gambia National Olympic Committee and the Republic of The Gambia.
This appointment is a fitting recognition of her outstanding service to Gambian sport, her distinguished international career, and her unwavering commitment to advancing the Olympic ideals, sports diplomacy, and the empowerment of women and girls through sport.
Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda is internationally acclaimed as a distinguished jurist, diplomat, and champion of justice. While her exceptional achievements in international law have earned her global respect, her contributions to the development of sport in The Gambia are equally remarkable and deserving of recognition.
Before embarking on her illustrious international career, Dr. Bensouda proudly represented The Gambia as a national volleyball player, demonstrating excellence, discipline, and patriotism on the court. Her passion for sport naturally evolved into sports administration, where she served with distinction as the Female Vice President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee in 2001.
During her tenure, she also chaired the GNOC Women in Sport Commission. In November 2001, she represented the GNOC at the World Conference on Olympics and Sports Volunteerism in New York, organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where she was awarded an IOC Diploma in Volunteerism in recognition of her commitment to volunteerism and sports development.
As Chair of the Women in Sport Commission, she provided visionary leadership in promoting gender equality and expanding opportunities for women and girls in sport. She represented the GNOC at numerous regional and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and meetings, where she consistently advocated for greater female participation, inclusive leadership, athlete welfare, safeguarding, integrity, and the advancement of women in sport within the Olympic Movement and beyond.
Her dedication strengthened the voice of Gambian women in sport while contributing meaningfully to international discussions on gender equity, good governance, integrity, and sustainable sports development.
The GNOC proudly acknowledges Her Excellency’s invaluable service as a former Female Vice President of the Committee and reaffirms that she remains a distinguished member of both the Gambian and global Olympic family. We equally express our profound appreciation for her continued encouragement and steadfast support for the growth and development of sport in The Gambia.
As the current High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, Dr. Bensouda continues to exemplify excellence in public service and international diplomacy. She occupies a unique position to advance sports diplomacy and strengthen partnerships that will benefit Gambian athletes, sports institutions, and the nation’s sporting aspirations.
In recognition of her distinguished record of leadership and service, the Gambia National Olympic Committee hereby appoints Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda as Goodwill Sports Ambassador of the Gambia National Olympic Committee.
In this capacity, she will support the promotion of The Gambia on global sporting platforms; advocate for the country’s bids to host international sporting events; champion athlete welfare, safeguarding, integrity, and the empowerment of women and girls through sport; strengthen collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Commonwealth Sport, the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), International Federations, diplomatic missions, and other strategic partners; and promote sports diplomacy as a vehicle for national development, peace, friendship, and international cooperation.
Beyond her outstanding reputation in international law and diplomacy, Her Excellency continues to serve as a vital bridge between Gambian sport, the Commonwealth, and the wider Olympic Movement. Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service continue to inspire generations of athletes, sports administrators, and young women aspiring to lead both in sport and beyond.
On behalf of the Executive Board of the Gambia National Olympic Committee, the National Sports Federations, athletes, coaches, technical officials, and the entire sporting fraternity of The Gambia, we proudly confer upon Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda the honour and distinction of Goodwill Sports Ambassador of the Gambia National Olympic Committee.
May this appointment further strengthen her enduring legacy of service to sport, inspire future generations, and contribute to the continued growth, excellence, and international recognition of Gambian sport.
Congratulations, Your Excellency, and welcome to this distinguished role.
