The National Inter–Fishing Community Football Gala, organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has commenced in designated recreational venues in Fishing Communities across the country.

The Gala which was organized with the ultimate aim of raising awareness on the importance of   the ongoing CLOSED SEASON measure and cushioning its effects fishers, also witnessed the taking of kicks off and delivering of statements from high profile personalities, including a representative from the Office of the Chief Minister, the Minister of Fisheries, Acting Director of Fisheries and Deputy Executive Director, National Sports Authority, NSA.

Delivering a statement at the opening ceremony held at the Milton Margai, Playing Field, representative from the Office of the Chief Minister, Dr. Edmund Kanu who joined the Deputy Executive Director of N. S. A. to take the kick off, lauded the effort of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources for the initiative and ensuring that the country’s Fisheries and Marine Resources are managed sustainably.

He assured the ministry of his office unwavering commitment to supporting and collaborating with them.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources,  Princess Dugba who also joined the Mayor of Bonthe Municipality to take the kick off, emphasized the need  for a CLOSED SEASON, nothing that the football Gala was one of the planned events designed to address challenges facing fishing Communities during the Closed Season.

She thanked spectators for the huge turnout and encouraged participating teams to renounce violence and exhibit fair play during match.

Mayor of Bonthe Municipality commended the Ministry of Fisheries for the initiative and assured all of a very successful competition.

Acting Director of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sheku Sei, said, the Closed Season measure and Gala competition would also serve as opportunities to sanitize the Artisanal Fisheries Sector and identify upcoming talents.. He challenged stakeholders in the sporting realm to take advantage of the situation and thanked Fishing Communities for their cooperation.

Deputy Executive Director, National Sports Authority, NSA,  Dr.  , Abdul Rahman Swarray thanked  the organizers for the initiative and pledged their continued commitment  to supporting entities that work towards promoting sports in the country.

The matches which were played in a very peaceful atmosphere under the watchful eyes of distinguished Sports Promoters, Staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and general public, ended with the following results:-

Goderich 1 Tombo 1

Sulima 1 Gbondapi 0

Bonthe 2 Shenge 0

Konakridee 1 Yeliboya 0

 

MFMR Media Unit