Tensions are mounting ahead of the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association’s (GSSSA) Annual Inter-Schools Athletics Finals, with several schools, particularly from provincial regions, threatening to boycott the championship following the decision to scrap feeding for participants.

Speaking at a pre-event press conference, Ismaila S. Ceesay, the President of the Association confirmed a major policy shift, citing persistent logistical challenges.

“This year’s Championship is going to be different. Different in the sense that there going to be some changes especially the administrative side,” he said.

For decades, the championship has catered for thousands of student-athletes, many of whom travel long distances and camp throughout the competition period. However, that long-standing support system has now been removed.

“At the level of the executive we have taken a unanimous decision that this time around we are not providing feeding for any school due to logistic constrains we have been experiencing in the past years,” Ceesay stated.

The decision has not gone down well with schools outside the Greater Banjul Area. Sources indicate that schools in the Upper River Region are considering withdrawing from the April 23–26 event, while some schools in Region 2 East have also signalled similar intentions, all citing the lack of feeding as a major concern.

The development raises serious questions about inclusivity and equal participation, particularly for schools that rely heavily on central support due to limited resources.

“So feeding for the first time is out of the championship and we don’t think we’re going to come back again,” Ceesay added.

With just a day to the start of the finals at Bottrop Upper and Senior Secondary School, uncertainty lingers over whether all qualified schools and athletes will take part, as welfare concerns continue to grow.

By Ebrima KB Sonko