Alahji Momodou Njie, commonly known as Biri Biri, was named the 2008 Most Outstanding Sports Personality during the 10th sports banquet and award ceremony organised by The Gambia National Olympic Committee on Saturday at the Kombo Beach Hotel.

Biri Biri claimed the highest award for being a top class and outstanding athlete-cum-footballer who for many years had won the hearts and respect of every Gambian.

Saturday’s award ceremony also saw Mr Ebou Joof, former permanent secretary at the department Youth and Sports, honoured for his dedication in the development of Gambian sports.

The former sportsman and administrator was, alongside Edrissa Njie (Chiko) and Ms Amie Kolleh Sinyan, inducted into the Hall Of Fame.

Abdou Karim George, Momodou Chuks Jallow, Saul Jeng and Robert Ndow, all deceased, were awarded the Posthumous Merit, while Fredrica Gifty Allen, Alpha Abu Khan, Saihou Omar Sallah and Saihou Sarr were inducted in the Sports Merit List.

Two foreign coaches, who had worked tireless to develop football in the country, were also remembered during Saturday’s gathering. German coach, Holger Obermann

and Fred Osam Duodu, a seasoned Ghanaian coach who aided The Gambia clinched the 2005 CAF Under 17 title in Banjul were honored with Honourary Merit Award.

Trust Bank/Western Union, a consistent sponsor for sports in the country was also decorated.

The prominent institution, which spent a staggering D867,000 (eight hundred and sixty seven thousand dalasis) on sponsorship between 2007 and 2008, was awarded the 2008 sports sponsorship trophy.