The day’s programme kicked-started with a 3 and 5 kilometre races which ended at OlympAfrica Centre, Serrekunda East Mini Stadium, marking the founding of the modern Olympic movement (IOC) by Pierre De Coubertin.
The day witnessed keenly contested races among hundreds of students across schools within the greater Banjul area.
Adama L. Colley of Nusrat Senior Secondary School took 1st position in the female 5 kilometre race; Emily Badgie of Talinding Upper Basic School took 2nd position and Sarjo Kassama of Abuko Upper Basic School 3rd position.
Basirou Manneh of Kanifing East Upper Basic School grabbed the 1st position in the 5 kilometre male race, while Essa Sanyang of Abuko Upper Basic School secured 2nd position and Luis Manga of Latrikunda Upper Basic School 3rd position.
In another interesting race, Binta Jallow of Bakoteh Lower Basic School took 1st, Mariama Jatta of Bakoteh Upper Basic School emerged 2nd and Haddy Drammeh of St. Therese’s Upper Basic School 3rd position in the 3 kilometre race.
In the male competition, Sheikh Ceesay of Latrikunda Annex Lower Basic School got 1st position, Bekai Jadama of Bundung Annex Lower Basic School 2nd position and Ansumana Badgie of Abuko Lower Basic School 3rd .
Winners were awarded certificates of achievements in recognition of their efforts and celebration of the Olympic Day.
Speaking on behalf of the IOC president, Gambia National Olympic member and IOC member Ms Beatrice Allen described the day as being staged for everyone regardless of age or athletic ability.
She remarked that “although Olympic day commemorates a historic event, its goals are aimed at the future, particularly at the young.
“Olympic day is an opportunity to remind people that sport is not just for watching. We want to inspire all people to get active and to have fun,” she said.
The Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Marcel Mendy, in his remarks on the occasion, assured the NOC of government’s collaboration in sports development.
Whilst commending the NOC for its continual and fervent celebration of the occasion, he also urged the Committee to consider having an IOC member who will represent the Gambia National Olympic to replace Ms Allen in the future.
