The Gambia is set to take part in the 13th edition of the West African Polytechnic Games (WAPOGA), which will be held in Ghana from 14th -24th August 2013.

As debutantes, Gambia will be competing with countries within the sub-region for this prestigious annual sporting event but only after an inter-departmental competition between GTTI, MDI and Gambia College to select the best athletes.

Speaking to Observer Sports reporters in an exclusive interview at his office this week, Martin Goddard, Director Admin and Finance at GTTI, disclosed that the sporting event was formed to foster unity and harmony amongst polytechnic students in English and French speaking countries in West Africa. According to him, 50 students and 15 officials are expected to participate in the sports competition in sporting events that would include athletics, Handball, Taekwondo and Volleyball amongst others.

He added: "Putting The Gambia on the map remains a priority and it is against this backdrop that we have engaged in fundraising activities and recently made a courtesy call to the Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports, where we were asked to prepare an indicative budget for the overall trip expenses. "We are also soliciting support from other public and private Institutions to complement the Government's efforts as they can't do it all alone but most importantly facilitate our participation in Ghana."