Mohamed Thaimu Kamara, sports master at Gambia Methodist Academy (GMA), has said he is working on turning the school into a sports powerhouse in the country.
He was speaking to reporters at the Serrekunda West Mini Stadium yesterday, Thursday, during the school’s inter-house.
The event commenced with a marathon race from the school grounds through the Traffic Lights Junction to Serrekunda West Mini Stadium.
Mr Kamara said in the past their students were known for coming from wealthy families, and not having the time and zeal to participate in sporting activities, but that is the thing of the past.
The GMA sports master said he has spoken to the students and it has served as an inspiration to them.
“It moved them, and I believe from now on others will try to take up sports”.
He recalled going to attend SBEC inter-house, where he was told Methodist Academy are not known for sports and that he told the person that is history.
Kamara added that they currently have new mechanisms in place “to enable the school reach a level where no school will be able to challenge or knock us down in any sports, be it athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling or any other sports. We are prepared, indeed”, he declared.
He announced that the GMA decided to include the marathon race in this year’s inter-house competition as part of events making the Golden Jubilee celebration of Gambia’s independence.
Emmanuel Abban, vice principal at Gambia Methodist Academy, expressed delight about what he saw during the marathon race. “It is always a good day when students come to exercise”.
“We want the students to know that education is not all about books, but to also exercise their bodies to become stronger physically and mentally.”
Zan Louis Jatta, who came first in the marathon competition, said his long legs helped him, adding that he prepared for the event for two weeks.
Modou Lamin Sanneh, who came second, was delighted and describing the marathon as a hectic journey.
Hadijatou Awe, a 14-year-old girl who came first in the ladies category, described the race as very challenging.