Two students from Region one and Region six, were on Friday the 14th March 2008, selected at the GNOC head quarters to represent The Gambia in the Beijing Olympic Games Youth Camp slated for August this year.

The students, namely Ousman Jallow from Fatoto and Jainaba Manjang of Abuko Upper Basic School were luckily selected after passing an examination test.

The selection was done in the form of examination test including four students two boys and two girls. Teachers from the Department of Education tested the students.

According to the Deputy Executive Director of GNOC, Mr. Lawrence Bruce, the theme for this year’s youth camp is ‘youth create future’.

“The purpose for the youth camp is to bring together as many highly spirited young people to interact and exchange experiences in a conducive Olympic environment”. he stated.

 He said The Gambia national Olympic committee was given the mandate to select young participants as part of The Gambia’s delegation to the Olympic Games in Beijing.

The selection of the youth participants was made possible through the collaboration and cooperation of the GNOC and the Department of State for Education based on conditions.

The criteria used for the selection process were; participants should be between the ages of 16-18 and currently attending an upper basic school. They should be among the top three students with excellent academic standings and be recommended by the current year class teacher. Participants should have conversational ability in English as well as being good at sports or arts for themed days, environment protection, Olympic movement, or volunteer activities.

The GNOC believe that this initiative will rejuvenate interest in sports related activities in schools and communities and ascertain that the young people selected fully understand what the slogan embodies.

Meanwhile the selection was done and witnessed by schoolteachers, Mrs. Mary Decker and the members of the Press as well.