Scorpions Vice Captain Omar Colley is the latest individual to join the clarion call for the fight against the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) with a staggering donation of D500,000:00 (Five Hundred Thousand Dalasis) to the government of the Gambia.
The Sampdoria defender made the much acclaimed gesture on Friday 3rd April 2020 at the Ministry of Youth and Sports premises in Banjul where GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo made the delivery of the handsome cash to the Hon Minister of Youth and Sports for onward handing over to the Minister of Health.
Handing over the amount to the MoYS, GFF Boss Lamin Kaba Bajo said the donation is Colley’s personal contribution towards the fight against the Coronavirus. “As you are all aware the Gambia Football Federation have complied with the rules laid down by FIFA and CAF and by extension the government through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth and Sports by suspending all sporting activities”. He said the GFF is also playing its utmost role in the collective campaign hence “we have also released some video clips to educate ourselves on what to do which has also been transcended to the players including Omar Colley”.
Mr Bajo thanked OJ for his foresight and contribution towards the fight in combating the pandemic and also used the occasion to thank other players that have in one way or the other made similar gestures at their respective communities.
On his part the Minister of Youth and Sports Honorable Hadrammeh Sidibeh thanked Omar Colley for the considerable thought he has manifested in the fight against Covid-19. Hon Sidibeh said government is very committed to sports development and is serious in investing in both youth and sports. “I am really impressed by Omar Colley’s leadership role. This is why he was identified as one of the team leaders and here he has demonstrated as a leader by donating this sum to the fight against covid-19”.
Receiving the money on behalf of the Minister of Health, Deputy Permanent Sectary Fanta Baye Secka said covid-19 is real and serious global threat and thus urged the public to take preventive measures.
“Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to Omar Colley for showing leadership that is expected of him and also for contributing as a Gambian. This is expected of every Gambian, because we should all take responsibility and play our own part by protecting ourselves, our homes and our community”. The Health DPS assured the GFF and the family of Omar Colley that the money would be put into its rightful purpose.
Omar Colley was represented by family members Edirissa Susso and his sister Aji Mariama Colley. Present were the GFF 3rd Vice President Gen Lang Tombong Tamba, Scorpions Team Manager Ousman Drammeh, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports Abdoulie Jallow and other MoYS officials.
