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GAA gets medals from Gambian in Denmark

Feb 21, 2011, 12:57 PM

Alasan Jallow, a Gambian based in Denmark, on Friday presented 204 athletics medals to officials of the Gambia Athletics Association (GAA) at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

The donation, according to GAA officials, is in fulfillment of the earlier promise made by Jallow three years ago.

The presentation done under the watchful eyes of the Secretary General of the GAA, Alhaji Dodou Capi Joof, included 68 gold medals, 68 silver medals and 68 bronze medals.

Capi Joof himself, a former athlete, was very much appreciative of the gesture, saying it would encourage athletes to take up their career seriously.

Capi, who heaped praises on Pa Jallow for what he referred to as his valuable contribution to athletics in the country, added  that the medals "are not only meant for GAA but also for schoolchildren, who can also benefit from such a laudable gesture".

For his part, the facilitator of the donation, Alasan Jallow, who is understood to have been a great admirer of Gambian athlete, said the presentation was part of his contribution to the promotion and development of the game he says he loves so much.

However, Mr Jallow believed such assistance would play a key role in trying to encourage and motivate athletes in The Gambia.

Also speaking at the presentation ceremony was Abdoulie Kah, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, who described Jallow's support as a way of complementing the efforts of the Gambia government and the sports ministry towards attaining excellence in sports.

"What Mr Jallow demonstrated is in line with sports development in the country and it will also boost the morale of the athletes to be able to compete at the highest athletics level," the DPS said, adding that the donation would also avail young athletes the golden opportunity of being motivated to take up athletics as a career.

Aja Amira Jeng, an executive officer of the GAA, who also spoke at the occasion, echoed similar sentiments while thanking the donor for "the kind gesture".