9th August 2002
Dear Mr. President,
On my return to the office this week from the 17th Commonwealth Games, one of my most pleasant duties is to write to congratulate you on the performance of The Gambia's athletes in Manchester from 25 July to 4th August 2002.
As that great sporting icon, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, stated in a speech in London nearly one hundred years ago, the most significant thing to remember is that taking part is more important than winning. The wonderful spirit exhibited by your athletes represents a tribute to everyone who is involved in sport in The Gambia.
Every four years, these "Friendly Games", as they come to be called, play a crucially important role in the life of the Commonwealth; not only because they are a celebration of frienship and solidarity amongst our 1.7 billion citizens, but also because, for most people, they represent the most visible manifestation of our association. The recent Games continued this splendid tradition in the very best manner, in which your country played a significant part.
With grateful appreciation and warmest personal regards,
Don McKinnon
HE Alhaji Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh
President of the Republic of
The Gambia
Banjul
The Gambia
Marlborough House Pall Mall London SWIY 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: Switchboard +44 (0) 20 7747 6500 Direct Line +44 (0) 20 7747 6103
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