By: Adama Makasuba
The Senegambia Run for Integration will on the 18 of January 2019 organize a three day cross border marathon and festival aims to promote integration between Gambia and Senegal.
The committee made the announcement at a press conference on Saturday at the Independent Stadium, Bakau as it is aimed to generate income to both countries on tourism.
It hopes to commence at the Trans Gambia Bridge in Farafenni to Kaolack, Mbur, Fatigue and Dakar in Senegal as it would feature teams from the Gambia, Senegal, Italy and France.
The committee said it is dedicated to the two heads of States-Adama Barrow and Macky Sall, and that certificates will be presented to the two presidents for their participation in supporting the run at the launch of the Senegambia Bridge.
Also at the bridge the committee added there will be presentation to the winners, adding the marathon will took a form of relay from Farafeni to Kaolack where each runner will run a distance of 9.2 km.
The committee said: “A team consists of thirteen individuals-twelve runners and one manager. Ten will be runners and two will be reserve in case one runner is injured is to be replace.”
Geoge Gomez, chairman of the Association said: “The event is a three day of sports and culture and there will be a lining up the street to cheer up the teams. We can sell our culture through sports.”
On security, the committee affirmed that escort security will be provided by the Gambian up to the border of the two countries and would be continued by the Senegalese security untill their return to the country.
Wula Badjie, a member said the two governments have pledge support to the event and that the Senegambia secretariats are part of this run.
The Gambian teams- Gambia Arm Forces, Gambia Police Force, Gambia Revenue Authority, Gambia Tourism Board, West Coast Region and Kanifing Municipal Council.