Officials of the Department of Youth and Sports in the North Bank Region recently organised a wrestling competition among the seven constituencies in the region. The participating constituencies were, Illiasa, Sabah Sanjal, Lower Badibou, Central Badibou, Jukadu, Upper Nuimi and Lower Nuimi. The event was held in Kerewan.

The occasion was graced by the governor of the region, Lamin Queen Jammeh and his deputy Mustapha Saidy, Lamin Ceesay; chairman of the Kerewan Area Council and other local dignitaries.

Speaking to this reporter, the regional youth chairman, Sambou S Jawara, said the competition is inline with the President Jammeh’s, directive to the Department of Youth and Sports to revitalise wrestling in the country, as it is one of the oldest sports in thecountry.

“With the support of our department, this competition is foridentifying the best wrestlers in the region to represent the region to the national competition and we tasked each constituency to bring five wrestlers and among these wrestlers we are going to select only 10to represent the region to the national competition,” he said.

Lamin K Saidy regional coordinator of the Department of Youth and Sports explained that the competition was the initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and was meant to promote wrestling both at the district and regional level before the national championship.

He added that after the championship, a national team will be selected to represent the country at international events. Saidy also used the opportunity to thank President Jammeh for his continuous support for sports development and wrestling in particular. He also thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for involving all the stakeholders in the field of wrestling.