The commune of Diass, Senegal, has officially launched its communal sports assemblies, a significant event that aims to redefine the local sports policy. On October 31, 2026, Mamadou Ndione, the mayor of Diass, declared the assemblies open, marking the beginning of a comprehensive review of the commune's sports landscape. The event, scheduled to conclude on November 7, 2026, brings together various stakeholders from the local sports movement.
The assemblies seek to establish a framework for concertation, reflection, and concrete proposals to define the commune's sports policy. Mamadou Ndione emphasized the need to transcend individual interests and build a shared sports ambition. He urged participants to engage in a constructive dialogue, focusing on the common good, rather than mere claims or grievances. The mayor highlighted the importance of inclusivity, encouraging the development of various sports disciplines beyond football.
Ndione stressed that sports should not be limited to leisure or competition but recognized as a powerful tool for education, health, social cohesion, citizenship, and youth empowerment. He advocated for a comprehensive and sustainable sports policy, prioritizing the development of infrastructure, talent identification, and the promotion of various sports disciplines, including basketball, handball, athletics, and martial arts.
The mayor outlined a three-dimensional approach to the commune's sports policy, focusing on mass sports, associative sports, and professional sports. He emphasized the need for the municipality to facilitate and coordinate efforts with state authorities, federations, businesses, and private actors. Ndione highlighted the recent homologation of the Diass municipal stadium as a significant achievement, stressing the importance of accessibility, maintenance, and sustainable exploitation of sports infrastructure.
Ndione called for the development of local sports facilities and multifunctional platforms adaptable to various disciplines. He also emphasized the need for training leaders, improving coaching, promoting women's sports, and including people with disabilities. The mayor urged participants to adopt a collective responsibility approach, transcending divisions and individual interests for the benefit of the commune's sports development.
In his concluding remarks, Ndione launched an appeal for collective engagement and responsibility, stating that no one has the right to "take the sports of Diass commune hostage." He encouraged participants to seize the opportunity for truth, lucidity, and ambition, working towards a shared vision for local sports development. The assemblies will continue until November 7, 2026.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Mamadou Keita, president of Guédiawaye Basket, and Seydou Diouf, president of the Senegalese Handball Federation. The assemblies mark a significant step towards redefining the sports landscape in Diass, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and collective engagement.
Key points
- The commune of Diass aims to develop a comprehensive sports policy, prioritizing inclusivity, infrastructure development, and talent identification.
