by Fatou Gassama
Athletes who took part at last weekend’s inter-school athletics competition have paid tribute to their coaches and fans for giving them massive support.
Sulayman Darboe, a student from Latrikunda Sarbiji, who was the first runner to start the 4 by 4 relay, said he felt great to be part of the competition, and thanked all his fans and the committee and most importantly, he said, his coach Dampha.
Lasana Jarjue, who took the second baton, also said they trained hard three times a day from morning to afternoon. He thanked the fans and the organisers, saying that his dream is to represent The Gambia to international competitions.
Sulayman Jarju, who took the third baton, said he trained very hard, noting: ” I used to play football but I never knew the value of being an athlete.”
Fally Fatty, the fourth runner, thanked his mum, coach and fans, adding: “I came here to show my high school what I can do, and I want to thank my coach because he did a lot for us, and we are going to make him proud and take the trophy in the future “.
Lamin Jammeh of Kabafita Upper Basic School, after taking first in the 100 meters race, said he is very happy that he won, and more so doing it on the new tracks of the independence stadium, because it’s very nice to run in them.
He continued: “I want to thank my coach, because if you see me here competing it is because of him. The time I used to train I use to be very angry at my coaches because the training was hard and I have now seen the benefit of the hard work, as all the events I partook I took first”.