Gambia Armed Forces athletes set to shine in Brazil World Games

Three Gambian Armed Forces Athletes that left Banjul last week for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take part in the 5th World Military Games (5MWG) will enter the race on Tuesday as the athletics championship gets underway in the South American nation.

The athletes that are set to compete in the championship are Suleyman Njie (200m runner), Dawda ML Ceesay (1500 and 5000m runner) and Lamin Darboe, who competes in the 100 and 200m.

They have all set their eyes on securing The Gambia’s first medal in the world military championship.

The five-man delegation from The Gambia led by Lt Col Kawsu Sanyang last Wednesday left the shores of the country for Rio De Janeiro via Mali to take part in the Games organised by the Conseil International Du Sport Militaire (CISM).

One hundred and eleven countries including 35 from Africa are currently taking part in the competition that will run till 24 July. It is expected to witness the participation of more than 7,000 athletes that will be competing for the highest prize in the military sport, Pointsport has gathered.

The spectacular opening ceremony was held on Saturday at the Jao Havalange Olympic Stadium with the presence of the Brazilian president, host of ministers and high-ranged army officers from the five continents.

Speaking at a press conference before the opening ceremony, Col H. Kalkaba Malboum, president of the CISM, congratulated the Brazilian committee for the administration of the 5MWG.

“I was impressed with what I have seen so far,” he said. “I was at the stadium (João Havelange) and was very happy with the whole structure being built.”

Gen Jamil Megid Junior, general coordinator of the 5MWG, who gave details about the arrival procedures for the 111 delegations attending the Games, said in his speech on the occasion: “We have received nearly all the delegations and are finalizing the reception of the athletes. 2,400 athletes will be in Green Village, 1,400 in Blue Village and 1,200 in White Village.”

Vice Admiral Bernardo Gamboa, president of the Military Sports Committee of Brazil (CDMB), highlighted the hard work facing the athletes at the event and the best conditions. He also appealed to the press to support the Games.

 “The know-how of the 5MWG is short; so we need much investment and effort from all the media for the Games to have the coverage it deserves,” he added.

 All present emphasised the historical moment Rio de Janeiro is going through with the hosting of the 5th MWG.

For the first time there will be wider television coverage in Brazil and the world at large.

The Gambian delegation also included journalist Namory Trawally, sports editor of Sports View newspaper, whose trip to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, was made possible thanks to the invitation of the CISM office in Belgium, Pointsport can confirm.