Personal Profile of Yahya Al Mataar Jobe Vice President -ICTSG. Greetings! I’m Yahya Al Matarr Jobe—a diplomat of sport, a guardian of heritage, and a bridge-builder dedicated to celebrating Africa’s rich cultural legacy through Traditional Sports and Games (TSG). With decades of experience in international relations and grassroots advocacy, I’ve devoted my career to ensuring Africa’s vibrant sporting traditions take their rightful place on the global stage. As Vice President of ICTSG and a member of its Executive Board, I champion the power of TSG to unite communities, preserve history, and foster cross-cultural dialogue. My journey began in The Gambia, where I served as Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, advocating for the protection of intangible cultural heritage. This role ignited my passion for elevating Africa’s TSG—not just as games, but as living narratives of resilience, identity, and shared joy. In 2019, I took the helm as President of the African Traditional Sports and Games Confederation (ATSGC), where I spearheaded initiatives to revive endangered sports, from Senegalese Laamb wrestling to Ethiopian Gena (field hockey). One of my proudest achievements? Organizing the first Pan-African TSG Festival in Dakar, which brought together over 30 nations to compete, exchange stories, and reignite pride in ancestral practices. (Fun fact: The festival’s opening ceremony featured a Djembe drum procession that Guinness World Records later recognized as the largest of its kind—proof that tradition can break barriers and records!) Today, as ICTSG’s Vice President, I work tirelessly to ensure TSG becomes a cornerstone of continental development strategies. Collaborating with governments, NGOs, and local elders, I design programs that leverage sport for education, gender equity, and youth empowerment. My philosophy? “When we play our games, we write our future.” Beyond policy, I’m a storyteller at heart. Whether moderating UNESCO panels on cultural preservation or mentoring young leaders in The Gambia, I believe TSG’s magic lies in its ability to turn play into purpose. And when I’m not immersed in strategy sessions, you’ll find me on the beach near Banjul, practicing Borreh, a traditional Gambian wrestling style—or curled up with a collection of West African folklore, drawing inspiration for my next project. In the words of the great Senegalese poet Birago Diop, “Listen to the things of the past, for they will teach you the soul of the world.” I carry this wisdom into every effort to ensure TSG isn’t just preserved, but lived—as a dynamic force for unity, pride, and progress. Let’s honor the past by playing it forward. Social Media: Linkedin:  Facebook: Instagram: