Abuko Upper Basic School have been crowned champions of the Upper Basic category at the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association National Inter Schools Athletics Championship, dramatically securing their first-ever title.

Abuko finished top of the standings with 5 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze medals, accumulating 84 points to edge out close rivals Kitty Upper Basic School, who finished just behind with 82 points. Presentation of Mary claimed third place with 64 points, rounding off a fiercely competitive top three.

Medal Table Analysis

Unlike the Senior Secondary category, the Upper Basic competition was tightly contested right to the end. Abuko’s victory was built on consistency across all podium positions. Their 10 silver medals and 7 bronze medals proved decisive, giving them the depth needed to outscore Kitty despite both schools winning the same number of gold medals.

Kitty UBS, with 5 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze, pushed Abuko all the way but narrowly missed out due to the slight gap in total points. Presentation of Mary, despite registering 8 gold medals, the highest in the category, had fewer supporting finishes, which ultimately limited their total points and left them third.

Mansa Colley Bojang UBS secured fourth place with 48 points, while New Covenant UBS completed the top five with 20 points.

Key Performances That Defined the Championship

Abuko’s triumph was driven by a collective team effort across multiple events, particularly in relays and middle-distance races where they consistently placed on the podium.

Elsewhere, standout individual performances lit up the championship.

Ebrima Camara of Presentation of Mary stormed to victory in the 100m U-15, successfully defending his title after a thrilling battle in the final.

Kaddijatou W. Kujabi impressed in the sprints, winning gold in the 200m U-15 and anchoring her team to relay success.

Muhammed Manneh (Jahmano) of Busumbala Farato made history by winning his school’s first-ever gold medal in the 200m U-15.

Kaddy Saidy of Basori Upper Basic School delivered a historic moment by winning gold in the High Jump Open, marking a landmark achievement for her school in their maiden appearance.

Fatou Sanneh of Mansa Colley dominated the field events, clinching gold in the long jump.

Abuko’s historic triumph reflects a balanced and consistent team performance, with athletes delivering across a wide range of events.

Their ability to consistently reach the podium proved decisive in a closely fought contest, marking a breakthrough moment as they emerged champions of the Upper Basic category.

By Ebrima KB Sonko