The Gambian delegation joined thousands of other athletes in a colourful Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday. 

The delegation arrived in stylish outfits on a small boat down the River Seine with judoka Faye Njie as flagbearer. 

They received warm welcome from the spectators and their French hosts. 

Team Gambia was in high spirit beaming and smiling despite the heavy rains. 

The delegation includes seven athletes competing in various sports. 

They include Africa’s fastest female sprinter Mariam Bass-Bittaye, Ebrima Camara, Judoka Faye Njie, Alasan Ann, Zanu Jallow and swimmers Aminata Nia Maria Barrow and Ousman Jallow.

Their participation is a moment of pride for many Gambians who took to social media to praise the team. 

They hailed the athletic team for coming a long away to represent the country at one of the world biggest sporting events.

The Paris Olympic Games opened under tight security and rainy skies amid sabotage on the country’s rail network. 

The opening ceremony showcased the best of France as nearly 7,000 athletes from 206 delegations were ferried on 94 boats along a route almost four miles long.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba

📷: GNOC