Published: 30 March 2009
Am's and Saul's trip to the UK
The next stage in our ongoing Gambia Project; to try and bring two of the Gambian boys over to the UK for a visit. The purpose of this? To enhance their already impressive badminton skills, and for them to learn all about our culture. Meeting up with old friends, and making new ones along the way.
We always knew this would not be easy. Months of planning, and various fundraising events to pay for the trip. Our annual 24hr marathon at William Farr School, (who are always supportive in everything we do) and two bag packs at Tesco and Morrisons. The way things are at the moment, we did extremely well to raise the money and people were very generous.
But to be honest, the fundraising was the easy bit. Little did we know how difficult it would be to get these boys here! Obviously they needed passports and visas, the later being the tricky one. Both applications were refused once, so this meant more documentation required and time was running out. But eventually we got the news we had been waiting for, the visa applications were accepted and the flights were paid for.
Next was the shopping trip to get the boys kitted out with warm clothing. Living in Africa, the contents or their wardrobe (if they had one) were shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. Hats, scarves, coats and fleeces were definitely on the agenda as this has been one of the coldest winters we've had for years. And though I say it myself we did quite a good job, on a tight budget. Tim flew over to the Gambia to fetch the boys and brought them back to the UK on January 6th.
Everything about the trip would be a first, starting with the flight. I don't think they had any Idea what they were in for over the next six weeks. I saw the boys the first day they arrived; it was lovely to see their happy smiling faces again. We had lunch together at Tim's compound, and I gave the boys their first lesson on how to make a cup of coffee using a kettle and running water from a tap. Saul was concerned as to how he would know when the water was ready; I informed him that the kettle would click off on its own. Next lesson, loading the dishwasher, they soon mastered all these new chores, well, in a fashion! Then it was straight into badminton, as Wednesday is Tim's busiest day. Talk about throwing them in at the deep end! But as in usual Gambian tradition, they took it in their stride.
Over the next six weeks the boys would be attending a lot of badminton sessions. Ranging from the youngsters at the junior schools, to the various Lincs development groups. They even attended family night and adult session which consists of all abilities and the boys soon adapted their game to suit who ever they were playing. It became very obvious when the pair were playing the top group, Lincs Elite, that they had been training very hard, and were very competitive. When you consider they normally play barefoot, and in a much smaller hall with lower ceiling, Ams and Saul could certainly hold their own beating some of our UK boys from day one. It was a bit of an eye opener for our lot and they weren't expecting them to be that good. You can only put that down to one thing, and that is Tim's excellent coaching skills!
We had two matches whilst the boys were here; we lost to King's Lynn but we beat Grimsby. Both boys contributed and gave 100% in both singles and doubles.
As well as lots of badminton we took the boys on various outings. Starting with Lincoln Cathedral and the most expensive chocolate shop in town! The London eye and other attractions in the capital. Ten pin bowling, the cinema, various restaurants and eateries, and a train ride to Doncaster. We had two bag packs whilst the boys were here, at Tesco and Morrisons, which they helped out at. Both boys turned on their charm and soon had some money in their buckets.
I'm sure the most memorable outing for the pair was the trip to Old Trafford with Tim and Leo, to see Man United beat Everton 1-0. This must have been quite daunting really with around 80,000 spectators attending. Unfortunately they ended up sitting right next to the Everton supporters, so saw nearly as much action off the pitch as on! This resulted in a few arrests. The boys learnt a few new words that day too, which amused Tim and Leo.
The leaving party we organised at Moe's Indian restaurant proved how popular Ams and Saul have become, with around 30 people joining them. The boys had a good night and many tears were shed as people said there goodbyes. As usual the curry was spot on.
My overall view of the boy's trip
A hectic six weeks for Tim and I, and we were both shattered by the end of it. Not all of it was plain sailing, but then we knew it wouldn't be. This has been a very rewarding experience and one that I am so passionate and proud to be involved with. I have learnt a lot about African culture and hope to continue learning more.
As this was such a success hopefully next year we might do it again with two other boys. Ams and Saul are two very special people, they have next to nothing, but give you so much by just being themselves, and you can't fail to be happy when you are in their company!
Finally, I would like to thank my family for being so supportive and letting me be involved with this project, I couldn't do it without you.
And thank you Tim, for asking me to be involved in the first place, we make a good team!
Sue