Ansumana Manneh, the director general of the Gambia Prison Service (GPS), has praised the remarkable achievements of the prison department's athletes at the recent All African Games held in Ghana. He expressed his delight with their outstanding performance, emphasizing the pride they've brought not only to the department but also to the entire nation. Manneh assured the athletes of unwavering support from the management to help them realize their full potential.
Despite facing challenges such as inadequate facilities and financial backing, Gambian athletes representing the prison department showcased exceptional talent at the All-African Games. Four prison officers, namely Principal Officer Adama Jammeh, Sgt. Ebrima Camara, Officer Sengan Jobe, and Officer Kebba Makalo, even broke national records in the 4x100 relay, setting a new time of 39:24 seconds.
Director General Manneh expressed confidence in the athletes' passion and dedication, urging them to continue striving for excellence in African and global athletics competitions. He reiterated the department's commitment to providing necessary support.
Highlighting the importance of sports development, Manneh stressed the need for increased investment in athletics by both organizations and individuals, emphasizing the potential of Gambian athletes to compete and excel on the international stage.
Principal Officer Adama Jammeh also extended gratitude to the prison department for their steadfast support, acknowledging that without it, their remarkable performance would have been challenging. He pledged to continue making both the department and the nation proud.
Jammeh emphasized the necessity of proper training structures and financial backing for Gambian athletics to flourish, asserting that with adequate support, they could not only compete but also triumph over athletes from other African countries.
Addressing issues such as early preparation for continental games, Jammeh emphasized the need for timely readiness to enhance their competitive edge. He highlighted specific achievements of the prison athletes at the All-African Games and expressed optimism about their future performances with continued support.