Banjul, The Gambia, June 13, 2026 – The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) for The Gambia, had the honour of welcoming the President of Commonwealth Sport, Dr. Donald Rukare, to its headquarters during his official visit to The Gambia.
Dr. Rukare was warmly received by GNOC President Mr. Bai Dodou Jallow, 2nd Vice President Mr. Bakary Jammeh, Secretary General Mr. Yorro Njie, Executive Director Mr. Muhammed K. Janneh, members of the Executive Board, and staff of the GNOC/CGA.
The Commonwealth Sport President was in The Gambia from 9–11 June 2026 to attend a Board Meeting of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, a leading pan-African non-profit organisation headquartered in Brusubi Layout.
Taking advantage of his presence in the country, Dr. Rukare paid a courtesy visit to the GNOC/CGA Headquarters, which is currently undergoing renovation with support from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. The visit provided an opportunity for productive discussions with GNOC/CGA officials and representatives of The Gambia Commonwealth Games Association on matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen cooperation between Commonwealth Sport and Gambian sport.
During the engagement, Dr. Rukare expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and commended the GNOC/CGA Executive Board for the significant achievements recorded since assuming office in 2024. He praised the leadership, dedication, and commitment demonstrated in advancing sport development in The Gambia while contributing meaningfully to the Commonwealth Sport Movement, ANOCA, and the wider Olympic Movement.
Dr. Rukare also expressed admiration for The Gambia’s Commonwealth Games Torch branding concept, noting that it beautifully reflects the country’s rich cultural identity, heritage, and national values.
Speaking during the visit, GNOC/CGA President Bai Dodou Jallow and 2nd Vice President Bakary Jammeh, who will serve as The Gambia’s Chef de Mission for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, highlighted the significance of the engagement.
They noted that the visit provided an excellent platform to discuss areas of common interest, explore future partnerships and collaborations, share updates on ongoing programmes and aspirations, and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Commonwealth Sport and the GNOC/CGA. They also emphasized the importance of gaining insights into emerging opportunities and developments within the Commonwealth Sport Movement that can benefit Gambian athletes, coaches, administrators, and sports organisations.
The GNOC/CGA remains committed to building and strengthening international partnerships that create opportunities for Gambian sport while promoting the values of excellence, friendship, respect, inclusion, and development that underpin both the Olympic and Commonwealth movements.
