Bakau, Barra, Banjul and Bund Road competed in the various events.
Barra’s Pap Jonga led the way finishing the swimming race in an astonishing 2 minutes 24 seconds to the delight of his Biram Sira Swimming Club.
Jonga, student-cum-fisherman, said he had just two weeks training and it was his maiden appearance in the regatta. He called on the sports authorities to promote the event among young people. He won himself D1,000.
Another Barra participant, Jegan Jobe, came second and was crowned with D750 for his 2 min 27 seconds finish.
Sulayman Sarr of Bakau came third finishing in 2 minutes 29 seconds and received D500.
In the pillow fight, staged in water, Abdoulie Sarr of Barra clinched the trophy and a cash prize of D750 and appealed to the National Sport Council to help popularise the sports in the country.
The canoe race too was won by Barra and they went home with a giant trophy and D2,000.
Bund Road won the 12 men canoe paddling, stealing the show from Barra to earn a cash prize of D3,000 and a giant trophy.
Speaking at the occasion Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, Minister of Tourism and Culture said the Roots Homecoming Festival continues to be a unifying platform for The Gambia and all people of African descent.
She thanked the sponsors and participants and promised them a successful and prosperous Roots festival this year. The event was witnessed by famous reggae icons Mutabaruka, Sizzla Kalonji, Scratchlylus and Empress Reggae.
By Lamin Cham
By Sise Sawaneh
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