International Summer Taekwondo Training Winds Up

The International Summer Taekwondo Training and Exhibition was last Saturday held at the Buffer Zone. Despite the heavy downpour, the students and the master were enthusiastic to perform on the Gambian ground. The exhibition centered on Hapkido, Vovinam Viet VO Dao and Taekwondo demonstration.

The Vice-President of the Senegalese Taekwondo Federation, Mr. Sheikh Amadou Ngum, spoke about the importance of their visit. He said the visit, among other things, is to see the performance of Taekwondo in the Gambia, and how best they could share and help to uplift the name of the Gambia at the international level.  He said this can only be done by Gambians. Despite all the helps and trainings courses given to them, if they are not prepared for it, it shall never happen.

"I have no thought that this dream will happen one day, and my federation is fully prepared to help its brother nationals to be rubbing shoulders with giant Taekwondo nations in the world," he said.

Master Ibrahim Bah, the Treasurer of the same federation expressed similar sentiment and glided through the importance of Taekwondo and Hapkido and its introduction in the Gambia.

Master Dam Seck, the Senegalese Taekwondo national team coach, spoke on the technicalities of Taekwondo as his main concern. He observed that the Gambia is far behind in Taekwondo and needs to double up with triple jumps to meet up with other Taekwondo giant nations. He said this could only be done by organising active competitions and technical courses and clinics. He promised that this will not only stop here, but will go a long in achieving their dreams about the Gambia.

The team met with some executive members of Serrekunda East Development Organisation (SESDO), where another demonstration was held at the same place on 16th August 2009, after the 9a.m football match. 

According to the Coordinator, Yorro Njie, this demonstration is to add colours to the activities of the new committee. He echoed that it's the responsibilities of all patriotic Gambians to promote their individual sports. He said that the promotion of Martial Arts is still lacking in the Gambia, and that his Academy stands to help promote Martial Arts nationwide.

The President of the Academy, Mr. Yahya Al-Matarr Jobe, thanked the high-powered delegation for leaving all their engagements to come to the Gambia.

He advised the students to promote Martial Arts, discipline and loyalty to the nation.

The delegation was seen off at the Banjul Ferry terminal on Sunday.