The 4th annual Summer Basketball Camp organised by the Scholar Athletes for Change (SAC) Gambia for students between the ages of 10-17, Thursday wrapped-up at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The five-day camp with the theme “Hazards of Life” brought together students from different schools in the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Andrew Dacosta, vice chairman of the SAC Board of Directors, said the camp was very successful, as the students have learned a lot. He therefore thanked all those who in one way or the other supported them, particularly Galp Energia, Social Welfare Department, as well their counterpart in Finland.

For his part, Momodou Sabally, director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, thanked the organisers and those that helped in making the camp a success. Sabally, who also made a presentation during the course of the camp on the theme “Hazards of Life” also urged the participants not to forget what they have learned at the camp, while urging to learn to become good writers. He assured that he would work very closely with his Ministry to support the young Gambian talents. Sabally finally commended Pierre Jallow, founder of SAC and the SAC Board for the initiative.

On his part, the chairman of National Sports Council, Omar Bun Njie, said the government of The Gambia is always ready to support young people especially those in search of knowledge. He therefore urged the participants to implement the knowledge gained and encourage others to come on board. He thanked those who have passion in sports, saying, “Whatever you do in sports will be recognised because we are coming to organise an award for all set records in sports”. He urged the organisers to continue this kind of camps so as to develop basketball in The Gambia.

For his part, Chief Paul Odimmegwa, who spoke on behalf of the parents, thanked the organisers and those from Finland.He concluded by thanking the children for participating and urged them to keep participating in this kind of trainings so that it can help to move The Gambia forward.

Martin Gomez, principal of St. Augustine SSS, who is also the president of the Gambia Senior Secondary School Sports Association (GSSSSA) said his association has been part of SAC since its inception. He stated that SAC has really helped in reviving the basketball game in schools. He also disclosed that his association has been organising a basketball competition for the past two years. He finally thanked the initiator of this programme, Pierre Jallow, while hoping that it would be a bigger camp next year. “To whom much is given, much is expected and there is much expected from the participants,” he remarked.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Ramatoulie Mboob, a participant said the camp is very important as they have learned a lot. She finally thanked the organisers and those who made it successful. At the end of the ceremony, participants were awarded with prizes and certificates of various categories for their successful participation in the camp.