In an event graced by notable dignitaries and sports enthusiasts, the British High Commissioner to The Gambia, H.E. Harriet King, and her spouse, William King, hosted a reception celebrating Gambian Olympians and the contribution of government to sports development. Held on Wednesday, 9th October, at the High Commissioner’s residence in Cape Point, the occasion highlighted the achievements of Gambian athletes who have proudly represented the nation on the global stage.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, in delivering his remarks, expressed deep appreciation for the athletes’ dedication and accomplishments. He acknowledged that even prior to the Olympic Games, Gambian athletes made significant strides in regional competitions, pointing out Gina Bass’s outstanding performances at the African Games held in Ghana this year, where she secured victories in both the 100m and 200m, qualifying for the Olympics and subsequently becoming the fastest woman in the African continent.
Hon. Badjie noted the challenges faced by other athletes in sports like swimming, taekwondo, and judo, but underscored the collective pride that the country feels for all its sports representatives. “As a nation and as a government, we recognize the immense contributions of these great ambassadors. They have brought attention to The Gambia on the international stage, something not all of us could achieve, which is why we value and celebrate them,” he stated.
The Minister further expressed gratitude to the British High Commissioner for organizing the thank-you reception, recognizing the effort to celebrate The Gambia’s achievements in sports. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering greater collaboration in sports, not only with international Organizations but also with foreign offices such as the British High Commission.
A notable mention in his speech was the appreciation of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior, as many athletes in The Gambia come from these ministries. Hon. Badjie highlighted the vital role that the security sector plays in promoting sports across the country, stating, “We are grateful for everything the security sector does in advancing sports, and that is why we invited these ministries to join us today.”
The event underscored the importance of sports in fostering bilateral relationship, unity and national pride and opened the door for more collaborative efforts to further elevate Gambia’s presence in the global sporting arena.