Momodou Sanneh, Abdou Hydara, Fatou Camara and Hisham Alturkey, were presented certificates of recognition, with an amount of D1000.00 each, after being crowned the champions of the July 22nd Table Tennis Tournament that was organised by the Gambia Table Tennis Association and was held at the Independence Stadium Table Tennis Hall last Saturday.
The tournament was separated into four different age groups, ranging from the Under- 16, U-18, U-19, and above included only three female participants, namely Miss Oumie Jallow, Fatou Janneh and Fatou Camara.
Four other participants were also awarded certificates with an amount of D7,00 each, after finishing as the runners-up, such as Babucarr Gassama, Buba Jawara, Edmond F. Mendy and Fatou Janneh, while a consolation prize of D5,00 was given to Buba Baldeh, Ebrima Gassama, Adebayor G.A Surakata and Miss Oumie Jallow.
The President of the Gambia Table Tennis Association, Peter Prom whose face was beamed with joy following a spectacular performance by the participants commended all those who have in one way or the other contributed immensely towards the successful organisation of the table tennis tournament within a short period of time, especially the kids whom, he described as instrumental during a one- day table tennis tournament.
He further advised them to make the best use of the game in order to excel internationally.
For his part, the Treasurer of the association, Sampo Ceesay, said the ultimate aims of organising the table tennis tournament is part of the Gambia Table Tennis Association’s efforts to reorganise the game which has been dormant in the country for quite a number of years.
‘I am so much delighted for the massive turnout today and am also hopeful that tennis will regain its past glory in the country,” Mr Ceesay maintained.
The tournament was organised as part of the activities marking the 15th Anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution, which has also witnessed the successful organisation of other sporting disciplines, such as cricket, athletics, football, amongst others.
The final was attended by a host of high dignitaries, including the Interim Chairman of the National Sports Council, Mustapha Alex Dacosta and the Director of Sports, Mr. Pa Suwareh, amongst others.