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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29162, member: 2262"] Gambian athletes demand better training spaces, especially real tracks meeting world standards. The Gambia Athletics Platform reports athletes struggle without proper tracks. They train on makeshift surfaces far below what international competitors use. These athletes feel frustrated watching rivals from other countries practice on quality tracks. Sports development authorities barely responded to these concerns. Athletes train on hard ground, which increases injury risk and limits their potential. Many question why the Gambia Athletics Association remains silent instead of advocating for better facilities. Critics think the GAA should lead efforts to secure improved infrastructure through government partnerships. Dodou Joof, president of the Gambia Athletics Association, told The Standard he understands the athletes' frustrations. He explained that international organizations helped build a first-class track at Independence Stadium. This project cost over $300,000 and was finished in 2016, allowing the Gambia to host the Zone II athletics championship. The track should have lasted 20 years until the government closed the stadium for renovations in 2023. Nobody can access the tracks anymore because renovation work destroyed them. Officials promise to rebuild them during phase two of the stadium project. The GAA helps national athletes join foreign clubs for training opportunities. Mr. Joof emphasized that the lack of standard tracks hurts athletics development across the Gambia. The GAA keeps pushing for new infrastructure that serves its athletes' needs. Despite Gambian athletes performing well internationally, they face major disadvantages without proper training facilities. Many see this situation as unfair to talented competitors who represent their country at global events. [/QUOTE]

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