By Lamarana S Jallow
The President of the Republic, His Excellency Adama Barrow, earlier today, July 22nd handed over the battle flag to the Gambian team to the Commonwealth and Islamic Games, during a brief ceremony held at the State House.
In his words of wisdom President Barrow urged the athletes to have the self belief.
“I want you to represent The Gambia as ambassadors. Be disciple but don’t allow yourselves to be intimidated by big name countries”.
Mr Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports expressed gratitude to the President for the support.
He said GNOC has been preparing for years to ensure that Gambia has athletes that will participate in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games as well the Islamic Games.
The Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham from 28th July to 8th August 2022, while the Islamic Games will be held in Konya, Turkiye, from 9th to 18th August 2022.
Twenty-one athletes will represent the nation in the Birmingham events in various categories such as athletics, swimming, judo, boxing, beach volleyball, para-power lifting and wheel chair basketball 3×3, while twenty-nine athletes will raise the Gambian flag at the Islamic Games in athletics, swimming, taekwondo, judo, basketball 3×3; para-athletics; and para-table tennis.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports last week announced that government has committed a total of seven million, five hundred thousand Dalasi (D7, 500,000.00) for Gambia’s participation in the Games.
