Alieu Cham has been appointed as new Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council by the Department of State for Youths and Sports last Friday replacing Donald Sock. His appointment will take effect on July 1st 2008.

Reacting to his appointment, Alieu Cham described it as a big challenge adding that it is an extension to his previous work as Director of Special Olympics.

He said part of his plans will be to bring all sporting associations to a better footing. “if the gap between the ministry for youths and sports and sporting associations is bridged, no sport will be dormant,”  he pointed

He stated that conflicts of expectation between the Ministry and sporting associations is one of the contributing factors to dormancy.

Cham said his policy is an open door one, and that not only sporting bodies but journalists, sponsors, friends and well-wishers are all welcome to be part of the development process of the council.

He seized the opportunity to commend former Executive Secretary Donald Sock, who has been doing well while in office.

Alieu Cham is a veteran sports administrator and was the pioneer of the Special Olympics twenty years ago. He has held the position of National Director of the Special Olympics since its establishment until his appointment.