The Gambia Karate Federation has returned from Bamako, Mali where it participated in the 22nd Zone 2 Karate Championships held from the 22nd – 25th September 2016
The event saw the participation of 5 of the member Zone 2 countries namely: The Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea Conakry and Sierra Leone.
The three member countries that did not attend were Cape Verde, Mauritania and Guinea Bissau.
The 2-days event was highlighted by a daily cacophony of huge fanfare in support of the host country Mali, who exuded an abundance of cultural activity in colorful fashion.
The Gambian contingent comprised of the President, Technical Director, Referee Chairman, Assistant Referee, Medic and Two Athletes.
The two athletes were warded with 2 bronze medals for Kumite and Kata in the individual athlete challenge competitions. In the same vein, the Technical Director who doubles as the coach also passed the coach’s examination and was awarded the zonal coach Licence. All others received certificates of participation.
“Two Bronze Medals and a Coach Certification, though an achievement but meager; we are of the conviction that we can do much better next time around, having seen and assessed the situations on the ground. We crave the indulgence of Government to assist us with a 20 -25-seater bus, 30 track suits and some little financial assistance for the next 23rd Edition of the Zone 2 Championships to be held in Conakry in March 2017,” said Gambia Karate President Ahmed D Jack
Finally, the draw was done for the Championships for the next four years with Guinea hosting the 23rd edition in March 2017 and All African Championships. May 2017 in Bamako. Sierra Leone was identified to host the 24th Edition Zone 2 Championships March 2018, while The Gambia will host the 25th Edition Zone 2 Championships March 2019.
by Fatou Trawally
