The Gambia National Paralympic Committee (GNPC) in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee Wednesday ended a three-day intensive Strategic Document development workshop at the Gamcotrap head office in Kanifing. Paralympians and representatives from the Departments of Social Welfare and Youth and Sports took part in the workshop.

The GNPC will use the new strategic plan to approach partners for support and also strengthen their relationship with stakeholders.

Speaking to Observer Sports and West Coast Radio shortly before the closing, Caroline Richers, development manager at the International Paralympic Committee, said the GNPC is a registered committee with the International body.

She said that Sulayman Colley, president of GNPC,approached the Committee for support to further develop the Paralympic in the country. "It is very important because so far there has not been any strategic action plan for the Paralympic. There is a lot to be done and developed because there are lots of committed people on the ground to develop the Paralympic sports," she added.

The International Committee body envoy further stated that they hope to have qualified athletes from The Gambia for the next Paralympic games and possibly to win medal, noting that the response from participants was very good and encouraging. "We have identified different strategic goals and objectives and we will work by that. We will also look for strategic partners like the Sports Ministry and GNOC, among others. We can further establish the collaboration to support the Paralympic better," she remarked.

On his part, Sulayman Colley, president of the GNPC), said the workshop is part of series of workshops to be organised by the Committee.

He explained that the training came out of the consultation he was doing while in London for the 2012 London Paralympic Games .

The strategic paper, he continued, will go a long way in helping the GNPC to get to where it wants to be in terms of seeing Gambia participating in competitions. "Thank God that we have partners outside because of the good showcase by The Gambia at the 2012 London Paralympic. I have Paralympic at heart and will do everything possible to develop it," Colley added.

On their part, Eliman Bah of the Department of Youth and Sports, and Gabi Jarju of the Department of Social Welfare both welcomed the development, describing the workshop as timely and important.