By Nelson Manneh
A Gambian Athlete with Physical Disabilities recently participated in the 2024 Annual University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Endeavor Games in the United States of America (USA).
The UCO Endeavor Games currently underway in both Tulsa and Edmond, Oklahoma, and Manchester in New Hampshire in the USA, run from 1-15 June 2024.
These Games are meant for Athletes with Physical Disabilities and the goal is to provide children, adults, and military service members with physical disabilities the opportunity to display their talents in a proper and competitive setting against other individuals with similar disabilities.
The Gambia is represented by Hagie Drammeh of The Gambia National Paralympic Committee in an observer capacity. The Gambia’s participation was made possible through the generous support of the US Embassy in Banjul as part of its sports diplomacy program.
Mr Hagie Drammeh said the Games are just a part of an entire program of activities built around the central theme of disability rights and adaptive sports. The activities will include workshops and meetings with community organizations, local and national leaders, schools and universities, and much more.
He said that a session on communication, public speaking, and team building will also be incorporated into the program as well as various other cultural and sporting events.
“This opportunity is coming at a critical moment as The Gambia prepares for the Paris Paralympic Games in August and September this year,” he expounded.
When he returned to The Gambia, Drammeh would serve as a trainer for Gambia’s Paralympic athletes, especially for continental and international sports meetings.
