Essa King, a renowned Gambian athlete has been invited to compete in the Annual Bamako Meet, scheduled for April 20, 2007.

This will be King’s first official competition, after his return from Cuba where he spent five years studying sports.

This is my first assignment since my return from Cuba and I am looking forward to getting boost by the top west African competitors. I have a PB of 47.69 and I am looking forward to improving on it this year, said King who also hailed Mr Jays for sponsoring and motivating him in the pursuit of his career in athletics.

He also commended the Gambia Athletics Association (GAA) for making his trip happen.

King and his comrade Ms Mamkewe Njie have already been absorbed by the Department of State for Youth, Sports & Religious Affairs for them to share their expertise with others in the area of athletics and the duo have resolved to live up to expectation.

“I am happy that we have been absorbed into the system and we will strive to contribute our quota,” he said.