[Mark Vall]

On July morning, a group of dedicated athletes from Gambia boarded a Vueling Airbus A319 at Banjul International Airport. Their destination: Paris, to compete in Summer Olympic Games. With the dawn barely breaking, the excitement was palpable as they settled into their seats for the journey to Barcelona.



As the aircraft soared high above the vast Sahara desert, the Gambian team found themselves captivated by the breathtaking views. Endless stretches of golden sand dunes rolled out beneath them, a stunning contrast to the lush landscapes they were accustomed to back home.



The five-plus hours of flight passed pleasantly. Upon arrival in Barcelona, the team was faced with a small hiccup. Their connecting flight to Paris departed from the Schengen terminal, and they had little time to navigate the bustling airport. Luckily, they managed to clear security and make it to the gate just in time. Boarding the Airbus A320NEO, the Gambian athletes quietly took their seats, eager to complete the final leg of their journey. Initially, their presence went unnoticed by most of the other passengers. It wasn’t until the captain made a special announcement that heads turned and smiles appeared throughout the cabin.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a very special welcome aboard to the Gambian Olympic team, who are on their way to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games. Let’s give them our warmest wishes and support for their efforts!"
The cabin erupted in applause and cheers, bringing broad smiles to the faces of the Gambian athletes. They were touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of their fellow travelers, and the encouragement served as a powerful reminder of the significance of their mission.




In total, Gambia will be represented by a team of 12 athletes at the 2024 Olympics. As the plane descended towards Paris, the team felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, ready to showcase their talents on the world stage.