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.
