By Basiru Kah 


Athletics is an important component of education that provides opportunities for many  especially those whose talents was spotted at the grassroots level .  According to findings , athletic is not only a form of sport that ensures one’s financial  obligations are meet  but help one  live a healthy life .

Despite the opportunities in the field of athletic , Gambian female athletes raised concern over their affairs which they described as unfortunate due to   What they described as the continuous marginalization of this form of  sport in The Gambia.

Kairaba News Network caught up with few females athletes who sounded their minds on the affairs of athletic in country .

A meddle distance sprinter Isatou Jarra of Scanaid upper and Senior Secondary School laments “I have represented The Gambia in Ivory Coast when I was in grade eight (8) but despite the fact,  I faced many challenges in my career.”

Jarra added that , the competitions she under went are not competitive enough to determine her performance . She further called on the stakeholders to conduct frequent athletic competitions  which should be competitive in other to add value to her career and to the sport in general .

Isatou Sey  an athlete,  who is currently in Dakar for her athletics electronic timing trials on 100 and 200M for her rehabilitation also outlined the challenges she faced “Watching Olympics  games motivated me to be an athlete”    She explained .  The sprinter pointed out  that , lack of sponsorship  remains a major challenge to her as she always struggles to facilitate her participation in the international games due to sponsorship problems .

Isatou Sey added that , she will welcome any support which will enhance her growth in her career.

Demba Touray, the sport master of Scain Aids Junior and Senior Secondary School in Brufut said, the government of The Gambia should build more sporting facilities across the country especially in the rural Gambia  in order to unveil raw talents at the grassroots to ensure higher standard performance in sports especially athletic.

He added that , the stakeholders in sport needs to focus on scouting out for better athletes from the rural Gambia  who will be willing to deliver for their country through the facilities structured .

Mr Touray calls for intervention in supporting the student athletes not only to enhance their sporting skills but equally academics through various interventions.

Sports has an immense impact on a person’s as it improves heart function also reduce the risk of diabetes, controls body sugar, lowers tension and stress.