Guinea Bissau hold seminar to develop Olympic strategic plan

Six goals where agreed upon by representatives at the seminar ©COGB

The National Olympic Committee of Guinea Bissau (COGB) have held a seminar as they look to restructure and modernise their sports movement in the country through the realisation of a strategic plan.

Initiated in 2013 the plan, the first in the sporting history of the country, aims to strengthen the relationships between COGB and National Sports Federations, whilst developing mutually beneficial partnerships between themselves, Government and the private sector.

The COGB hope that by establishing a partnership between the three stakeholders infrastructure can be developed, the number of national competitions could be increased, while prospects for the nation in terms of hosting international events and seeing their athletes making an impact could be enhanced.

A 30-page document developed across the last two years was analysed by members of the COGB, National Federations, the State Secretary for Youth, Sport and Culture and several private sector companies.

Athletes were also well represented with Augusto Midana, who in May was crowned men’s 75 kilogram freestyle wrestling African champion in Alexandria, one of most high-profile names present.

COGB President Sergio Mane called upon all stakeholders to help drive changes ©COGB

Sergio Mane, President of COGB, called upon all stakeholders to support the project and the strategic plan which has been aided by the technical assistance of Jappo Sports Consulting, led by Diamil Faye from Senegal.

“Even with the expertise of Jappo Sports Consulting and support of the Government, the COGB will not be able to deliver this ambitious project alone,” he said.

“I therefore urge all our national stakeholders and international stakeholders such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic Solidarity and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa to support this important initiative so that this plan, which reflects a common approach and reference, can bring the targeted results.”

As the result of the seminar it was decided that six key goals should be focused on between 2015 and 2018, including setting up a structured and efficient administration, placing marketing and communications at the heart of the COGB development, and establishing strong and sustainable partnerships.

Additionally putting infrastructure at the heart of sports development in country, coordinating sports development and attracting international events, whilst creating sustainable national competition, were also areas identified.

Diamil Faye has helped develop the plan which is the first in Guinea Bissau's history ©COGB

"Guinea Bissau is full of talent and the gold medal they have won at African Wrestling Championships is an excellent proof,” said Faye following the seminar.

“The Government and private sector partners that we have just met are very enthusiastic and it is now up to COGB to structure and continue making efforts to be in line with the principles of good governance and gain the confidence of its stakeholders to boost its athletes and sport in the country.”

COGB decided to create and pursue the strategic plan as a result of favorable economic and political climate, in the country which has had years of instability, and following the IOC’s passing of Agenda 2020’s recommendations.