By Arfang M.S. Camara
The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) yesterday, on Tuesday updated the general public on the Gambia’s readiness ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth and Islamic Games.
Meanwhile, The Gambian athletes will be participating in both (Commonwealth and Islamic) games. 21 athletes will be participating in the Commonwealth Games, while 29 athletes will be taking part in the Istanbul Games 2022 respectively.
“We have given due consideration to the fact that the Islamic Games will start a day after the closing ceremony of the Birmingham Games, and the NOC has tried to manage both Games accordingly so that athletes would take part in both Games by connecting to Turkey from Birmingham,” said Bakary Jammeh Chef de Mission of the Commonwealth Games.
According to him, seven athletes will participate in athletics, two athletes will be participating in swimming, Judo, boxing, and beach volleyball respectively, adding that one athlete in para-powerlifting and five athletes will be taking part in the wheelchair Basketball 3×3.
He added that the team is expected to travel to Birmingham on 24th July with a Turkish airline with a night stop in Istanbul.
Mr. Jammeh noted that the Istanbul Games 2022 which begins on the 9th to 18th of August 2022, will see 26 Gambian athletes taking part in games.
“Ten athletes will participate in athletics, three athletes in swimming, five athletes in judo, one athlete in Taekwondo, eight athletes in Basketball 3×3, and one athlete in para-athletics and para-table tennis.
Logistics
Mr. Jammeh revealed that all the registered officials and athletes for the Birmingham Games went through an online visa application before the registration closes on 22 April 2022.
“The visa section of the organising committee for the Games would secure an appointment for all the applications with UK Embassies at no cost.”
He added that the sporting delegation including the CDM and the Games Team Manager will all be accommodated at the Birmingham Games Village, adding that the president and Secretary General will be accommodated at the Games Family Hotel, while the Minister and all other guests will be lodged at hotel Inn Birmingham City Hotel.
“The NOC tried to lodge the Hon. Minister at the Games Family Hotel but the organisers could not due to Games organisers critical of accommodation. However, this is the closest hotel to the Games Family Hotel.”
Marcel Mendy, executive director of the National Sports Council, thanked the associations that have been identified to fly the Gambian colours at the two games (Commonwealth and Islamic).
“You must see yourself very lucky after being few that have qualified for the Games, knowing fully well that there are quite a good number of the sports association athletes and disciplines that have been practicing in the Gambia.”
He reminded the athletes to know that they are going to the two Games to participate on behalf of the country while calling on them to put up their best behaviours and performances
According to him, the (government) is quite encouraged and willing to ensure that they do their part towards the forthcoming games
He went on to thanked the GNOC for the coordinating work they have been doing towards ensuring that The Gambia has a heave hedge free participation in the two games