The executive director of the National Youth Council (NYC) has confirmed that the National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) is rescheduled to begin on January 3rd, 2013 in Bansang in the Central River Region (CRR).

Mercel Mendy made this disclosure Wednesday during an interview with the Daily Observer.

He said the event will start on the 3rd of January 2013 until the 11th January 2013. "As at now, our advance team is already in Bansang trying to meet the people on the ground at the local level," he intimated.

He said everything has been put in place and they are hoping for a successful NACONF.

He also dilated on the importance of the youth sporting extravaganza, saying it has the potential to bring together youths of diverse cultural background to share their experiences and forge a way forward for a better Gambia in terms of sports.

Mendy used the opportunity to thank the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, for advancing the cause of young people in this country.