The Gambia will take part in the 2012 London Paralympics that will kick-off on the 29th August, a first participation in the country’s sporting history. The country will be represented by two Paralympics athletes in the persons of Demba Jarju and Isatou Nyang.

Well ahead of their departure, the Gambia National Paralympics Committee on Thursday convened a press conference at its office in Kanifing to brief journalists on their current preparation and what the participation means to them.

Speaking at the conference, Sulayman Colley, president of Gambia National Paralympics Committee began by thanking the Gambian leader for the support in getting them to the qualification in Tunisia in March 2011. According to him, Paralympics has been in existence since the 1950s, but this is the first time The Gambia is participating, which he said is a big pride for the country.

“We have been working very hard with commitment to get to where they are today,” he said, adding that there are many countries far bigger than The Gambia that are not taking part. “It should be everyone’s business and pride for it is a big achievement.”

Colley disclosed that a training camp in UK was called off due to financial constraints, as they were to pay £9, 000. He said the training would have helped the athletes to acclimatise themselves with the weather in UK.

He said the delegation will be leaving the country on the 21st of this month and return on the 11th September. “We were supposed to organise an athletes day that is just to showcase the athletes representing the county, but it could not be possible due to some reasons.

He also expressed his disappointment over the lack of support and full backing from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “Even up to this stage we have never been approached by the Ministry to know what we are up to and again imagine the National Sports Council saying they have deregistered us without us knowing the reason behind it,” he added.

Colley further disclosed that disability sports was introduced in the country in 1986 and The Gambia became a member of the International Paralympics Committee in 1999.

On his part, Basiru Faye, trainer of the athletes, said his wards are very serious. He said he hopes that they will achieve something in London. He added that the athletes lack gloves, something they needed.

On their parts, Demba Jarju and Isatou Nyang, the two Paralympics athletes both expressed their readiness to represent the country well, as they have been training very hard, despite the Ramadan.

Fatou Saho of Today newspaper is the Press Attache to the delegation.