By Madi Senghore
Schools in The Gambia’s Upper River Region (URR) have threatened to boycott the 2026 National Inter-Schools Athletics Championship over a new policy requiring participating institutions to fund their own transport and catering.
Sources within the Schools Journalism Association of The Gambia (SJAG-URR) told PANA that several school principals have issued an ultimatum to the national organising committee, demanding a review of the policy or risk mass withdrawal.
The Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) said the measure was introduced due to financial constraints, with the association currently facing debts exceeding D700,000.
However, stakeholders, including game masters, have expressed concern that the decision could exclude students from rural areas who have already prepared for the competition.
The National Organising Committee is expected to address the matter at a press conference scheduled for Wednesday.
