The treasurer of the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) Alhaji Ousman Wadda has reacted to his election as the chairman of the Technical Committee and Member of the Executive Board of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF). Wadda was elected at its 8th General Assembly held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 23rd to 24th July 2013.

"To be Chairman of the Technical Committee and Member of the Executive Board is an achievement not only for me but for The Gambia, because it raises the Gambian Flag, at all meetings of the Board. And, this means that The Gambia can proudly stand among other Nations of the World in sports," Wadda said.

He added: "I would like to thank Allah for granting me the opportunity. I also expressed my appreciation to my Late Father, Alhaji Abou Wadda, for his encouragement and the values he instilled in me, in making me to understand that in life, you have to be patient and steadfast. I also thank H.E. the president, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, the Managing Director of GPA, Mr M.L. Gibba, and the Management and Staff of the GPA for their support. "My thanks go to the Executive Board and staff of the GNOC, the sports Fraternity, especially my two sisters, Beatrice Allen and Mary Samba-Christensen, who, in one way or the other, made me to be known by prominent people in the sports world and sports organisations. I appreciate your support. Finally, my plan is to encourage more Gambians to get involved in sports at the national and international levels, and to bring a sports event to the Gambia."

About the ISSF

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation is a sports federation established by the Muslim Ummah to foster Islamic Cooperation through sports. The Federation comprises of 57 Countries, with its headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The President/Chairman of the Federation is HRH Nawaf Faisal Fahd Abdul Aziz, who is also the president General of Saudi Arabia Youth Welfare and Olympic Committee.

The Objectives and Goals of the Federation among others are: to strengthen Islamic Solidarity among youth in member states, and to promote Islamic Identity in the field of sports; to introduce OIC goal to the youths and Member States on matters of common interest in all fields of sports activities; and to encourage sports exchanges among members.

A Technical Committee is established to advise the Executive Board, on the following issues: Athletic eligibility; Athlete Nationality; Athlete Age; Complaints, Protests and Appeals; the Sports programme and Competition Rules.