The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), has appointed a six-member selection committee to identify candidates for its next sports award ceremony scheduled for May 5, 2007.

The committee was inaugurated at the GNOC Resource Centre on Thursday by GNOC President, Alhaji Abou Dandeh-Njie.

Headed by Alhaji Hassan Joof, other members of the committee include Peter Gomez, a veteran sports presenter, Alhaji Sait Mbye, Director of Youth and Sports and Mrs. Ndey Jallow. Alhaji Abdou Dandeh-Njie and Mr. George Gomez will also serve in the committee as Ex Officio Secretary respectively.

The six-member committee has the task of selecting candidates to be awarded in a special Sports Banquet for their contribution in sports development in the country.

The awards will be in various categories, including the the Most Outstanding Sports Personality Award, the Hall of Fame Award, Honourary Merit Award, IOC Award for Sports and Olympism among others.

According to GNOC Executive Director, George Gomez, the aims of the awards are to prevent the sports legacy in The Gambia and to recognise sports personalities and institutions who contributed to the development of Gambian sports. “It also aims to honour outstanding sports personalities who promoted the name of the country through their performance in sports, attitude and behaviour and to appreciate and recognise the contribution of sportsmen and women who have died,” he said.

Gomez said until April 15, 2007, the general public has the chance to make nominations of their choice to the GNOC offices at Independence Stadium ahead of the award ceremony.