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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 22860, member: 2262"]
Olympic Aid Helps Gambian Athletes Dream Big.

Seven athletes from The Gambia got a special chance to train in France before the Paris 2024 Olympics. The group includes star runner Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye and other fast runners like Ebrima Camara, Adama Jammeh, Alieu Joof, and Sengan Jobe. Two judo fighters, Faye Njie and Abdou Rahman Ceesay, joined them.

Abdou Rahman Ceesay missed his shot at the Paris Olympics. But his time in France gave him great chances to learn. He trained with some of the best judo fighters in the world.

"Judo needs more than just strength," Ceesay said. "You must think fast and stay sharp. Training in France helped me build these skills."

Ceesay fought in matches across Europe and Africa. He faced tough fighters he had never seen before, and these fights taught him new ways to win.

The 32-year-old's first scholarship ended in August 2024. His hard work paid off when he got another year to stay in France with Judo Club Coulommiers. He teaches judo there and studies at the French Institute of Judo.

His time in France helped judo grow back home in The Gambia. He used his travel money to buy lots of judo gear, including uniforms, belts, medals, and cups. The gear helps run local judo events where new fighters can learn.

These supplies make it easier to hold tournaments and training camps. Young athletes can now learn judo and show what they can do. Thanks to one man's chance to train abroad, more Gambian athletes can follow their dreams.
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