In a bold statement, Senegalese canoeing coach Ousmane Fall has called for the resignation of President ady Fall from the national canoeing federation, citing three decades of poor management and lack of progress in the sport. During a recent press conference, Fall emphasized the urgent need for reform, urging the Ministry of Sports to intervene and support the canoeing community, especially with upcoming youth Olympic events on the horizon. He lamented the exodus of young talent from the sport, attributing it to stagnation and favoritism within the federation.”For the future of Senegalese canoeing, we must end this mismanagement and foster a new generation of champions,” he stated, highlighting the need for competent leadership to revitalize the sport and inspire the next Edmond Sanka or Combé Seck.
Interview: Ousmane Fall Calls for Change in Senegalese canoeing Leadership
Editor, Time.news: Recently, you made headlines with your call for the resignation of President Ady Fall from the national canoeing federation. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this bold statement?
Ousmane Fall, Senegalese Canoeing Coach: Absolutely. My primary concern is the ongoing mismanagement and lack of progress in our sport over the past three decades. We have seen a decline in not just performance but also the number of young talents choosing to leave the sport. This stagnation is deeply concerning,especially with youth Olympic events on the horizon. If we do not take action now, we risk losing a generation of potential champions.
Editor: You mentioned the urgent need for reform.What specific changes would you like to see implemented within the canoeing federation?
Ousmane Fall: The federation needs to focus on transparency and accountability. There must be an emphasis on developing a robust support system for athletes, including better training facilities and more competitions.Furthermore, we need to ensure that leadership positions within the federation are awarded based on merit rather than favoritism. By fostering an habitat of inclusivity and support, we can better nurture our canoeing talent.
Editor: In your press conference, you urged the Ministry of Sports to intervene. What role do you see the Ministry playing in this situation?
Ousmane Fall: The Ministry of Sports has a crucial role in overseeing national sports federations. I urge them to step in and assess the current management practices of the canoeing federation. Their support is essential not only in rectifying existing issues but also in ensuring that we implement sustainable practices for the future. It’s time for the Ministry to champion our athletes and help us cultivate a new generation of champions akin to Edmond Sanka or Combé Seck.
Editor: There is a growing concern about the exodus of young talent from canoeing. What do you think are the biggest factors contributing to this trend?
Ousmane Fall: Several factors contribute to this alarming trend. Chief among them is the apparent stagnation within the sport, driven by poor leadership and lack of vision. Young athletes are seeking opportunities elsewhere where they feel their potential can be realized. Additionally, the issue of favoritism has created a divided environment, discouraging merit-based progression. We need to inspire our youth by showing them that they can achieve greatness through hard work and dedication, and that starts with a healthy, competitive environment.
Editor: as a coach, what practical advice can you offer to aspiring canoeists who feel disheartened by the current state of the sport?
Ousmane fall: My advice to young athletes is to stay passionate and connected to the sport. While current circumstances may seem challenging, it’s vital to maintain your training and seek out opportunities to develop your skills. Engaging with fellow athletes and forming supportive networks can make a significant difference. I encourage them to advocate for themselves and be vocal about the changes they wish to see. Together, we can create a momentum for reform that revitalizes Senegalese canoeing.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Coach Fall. It’s clear that while there are significant challenges ahead, your vision for a brighter future for Senegalese canoeing inspires hope for many.
Ousmane Fall: Thank you for having me. it’s about time we turn the tides for our sport, and I believe with collective effort, we can achieve this goal.