On behalf of Gambia Tourist Support, I am here once again to give out our progress report on the Badminton project in the Gambia.

Thanks to Lesley Hedley, Tim Mawer and everyone who in one way or another contributed towards the development of this game in West Africa.

Lesley and Tim have made another week long trip to provide training for Gambian children in badminton techniques. This time, for them to get to know how to play doubles.

On Tuesday, 5th April 2005, a real match was organised between Tujereng Junior School badminton team and Youna Lower Basic School team and the scores went 100 points to 65 point, in favour of Tujereng this time. (last Tourmament Youna Won)

It was not a big surprise, Tujering already have a Sports Hall facility, and whilst Youna doesn't have any at the moment, Tujering stuidents can do more effective training.

Trophies and medals were given to both teams and jubilations were echoing all over the school premises.

Sadly to hear Tim and Lesley, they had a bad flight as they spent a night at Spain on their journey back to UK because of fuelling problems.

Sport hall PROGRESS:

The headmaster, teachers, and the entire community, expresses their gratitude to me personally - they can't belief when this project was proposed and promised to them by Lesley and Tim just how speedily the state of the building would be at this moment.

The hall is built to its final height and both the flooring and wall plastering is completed so the children have now started playing in it, even though the roofing is not covering over it yet.

The iron rafters are already made, ready to be raise on top of the building and now the task is still to provide corrugate iron sheets before the raining season start.

Therefore, I am appealing to any one who can kindly contribute cash or kind to the completion of this massive project.

Lesley Headley & Jerreh at the April Tournament with the trophies

We expect to inaugurate the hall in early October this year and we are hoping the president of The Republic of Gambia will agree to cut the ribbon as this hall, which will be the FIRST Badminton Centre in the country for the training of boys and girls from many different schools.

In future, students training now are promising that they will one day present the team as a national one, representing the whole of West African States

Once more, thanks to all donors and also those who intend at this time to put their support for the roof finishing of the sport hall for Youna Community Lower Basic School

BY: Jerreh Jammeh
Gambian Head Coach of Badminton and
GTS Charity Sponsorship Manager
The Gambia