Olympic Day celebrated in Gambia

The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), in collaboration with Olympafrica Center, Serekunda East, on 16 July 2016 joined the Olympic Movement worldwide to commemorate the founding of the Modern Olympic.

The celebration, held at the OlympAfrica Center in Serekunda East, was marked with daylong sports activities such as 5km and 3km road races for boys and girls respectively as well as volleyball and tug-of-war for Lower and Upper Basic Schools.

In the 3km road girls’ race held from Tabokoto to Serrekunda East Mini Stadium, Binta Kalleh of Tallinding Upper Basic School took first position while Binta Jallow of Bakoteh took second position.

Fatou Gassama of Tallinding finished third position.

In the 5km boys category, which began at Abuko Gamtel to the East Park, saw Louis Manga of Latrikunda Upper Basic School emerged first position.

Ensa Sanyang of Abuko Upper Basic School occupied second position while Ansumana Badjie of also Abuko Upper Basic School took third position.

In the tug-of-war finals, Latrikunda Lower Basic School defeated Bakoteh Annex 2-0 in the boys category.

In the girls category, Latrikunda Annex beat Bundung Annex 2-0.

Beatrice Allen, The Gambia’s IOC Member, in reading the day’s message from the IOC president, began by thanking participants for joining the celebration, saying they are part of a growing global event.

“Like you, people around the world are commemorating the founding of the Olympic Movement by sharing the joy of sport and fellowship rooted in Olympic values,” she said.

“Some of you are participating in Olympic Day runs. Others are learning news sport, or enjoying Olympic-themed cultural events,” she went on.

Ms Allen stated that Olympic Day is for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, adding that the important thing is to get “the couch potatoes off the couch”.

Although Olympic Day commemorates an historic event, its goals are aimed at the future and particularly at young people, she noted, saying: “Olympic Day is an opportunity to remind people that sport is not just for watching.”

Madam Allen said they want to inspire all people to get active and to have fun.

“Thank you for doing your part by getting off the couch. Please encourage others to do the same – not just on Olympic Day, but as part of a healthier and happier life,” she further said.

“Enjoy the day, and please keep the spirit of Olympic Day alive throughout the year,” she said.