The Organisers of the Ply-mouth-Banjul Challenge on Friday disbursed two million Dalasi to projects within sports and tourism related endeavours, at a presentation ceremony held at the GNOC Headquarter at Mile 7.

Speaking at the gathering, George Gomez, Executive Director of the Gambia National Olympic Committee and a member of the Organising Committee, said the challenge is aimed at promoting Gambia’s name to the outside world to ensure a better tourist attraction.

He said the challengers who come to The Gambia have paid their bills during their short stay, before leaving their cars behind for auction; and to plough back the funds to the community.

Gomez said a new Grant Allocation Committee was set up this year. He said “the Grant Allocation Committee has reviewed the project before granting those they feel had met the requirement”. He then urged the beneficiaries to effectively implement the project in the name of Ply mouth Challenge, noting that in the past, we sponsored projects and the work was done as expected and I hope you (beneficiaries) will make a difference.”

“We will visit, monitor and encourage you to make sure you implement your projects successfully. We do have some successful projects in the past and donors were always satisfied and happy whenever they visit these projects.”

Momodou Mustapha Jarbo, Chairman of the Grant Allocation Committee, said his committee members are independent people from Asset and GNOC, all of whom work as volunteers.

He said disbursed funds must benefit the community and urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the funds.

Mrs Susan Waffa Ogoo, Vice- Chairperson of the Grant Allocation Committee, congratulated the beneficiaries for having met the requirement for the grant allocation. She expressed delight at the work Plymouth-Banjul Challenge is doing.

“Am excited at the work the Ply-Mouth-Banjul Challenge is doing. They chose very important areas - tourism and sports. These two sectors are very important and should be supported to ensure sustainable development,” she added.

A total of 142 vehicles were auctioned, out of 159 vehicles. 17 vehicles were donated to institutions, such as Prisons and Fire & Ambulance Services.