Over sixty other Gambian and Senegalese sports veterans were also decorated.
The sixth edition of the Gala at the Kairaba Beach Hotel was attended by the secretary to cabinet, ministers, sport veterans and invited guests.
The SJGA acting president Musa Sise in welcoming the gathering said the event is meant to serve as an inspiration for the younger generation to dream and become high fliers in their various sports as well as to bring the services and sacrifices of the country’s veteran sports men and women back to life.
Sports minister Alieu Jammeh took the baton from Sise to pay tribute to the sports veterans, while thanking the sports journalists for the initiative.
The night was also spiced up with the presence of Senegalese top wrestlers Eumeu Sene and Comedian Kothia.
The awards were then rolled out amidst great excitement and nostalgia as veterans after veterans of the mid-80s came forward to receive their awards.
There were awards, too, for the present-day active sports men led by Papa Gassama who bagged the Approve Services Ltd sponsored Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Gassama was hailed for bringing fame and glory to the name of The Gambia with his Caf best referee award among others, while President Jammeh was recognised for being the largest single donor to sport in The Gambia.
Sports Personality of the Year
Bakary Papa Gassama
Best Referee of the Year
Bakary Camara
Best Local Base Player
Baboucarr Trawally
Best Foreign Base Athlete
Hamza Barry
Team of the Year
Real De Banjul
Coach of the Year
Foday Singhateh (YMCA)
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