His story is a clear example of how sport can break down barriers and make even those who come from far away part of a community. Seedya Conteh, who just turned 18, arrived from Gambia in 2023 via Lampedusa: after a short period in the province of Asti, last year he was transferred to Sarroch, where he lives in the community for minors hosted in the parish lodgings. In the bodybuilding gym on Via Al Mare, on the football fields as a referee, but above all as a runner: in a short time Seedya has made himself known and appreciated not only for his gentle character, but also for his love of sport. Seedya's dream is to remain part of the community that welcomed him like a son last year, and to continue to collect successes especially in running, where he has shown great talent.
The commitment
"During the day I take a course in Quartu to become an electrician, but in the evening I dedicate it entirely to sports - says Seedya Conteh -, I had never done athletics in my country, I started running here on my own, then I was welcomed by the guys from Asd Podismo Sarroch, who immediately made me feel like one of them. I also go to the gym, I like lifting weights, I found a good coach who follows me and always gives me lots of advice: I like Sarroch, here I feel at home and everyone loves me". With Seedya's super runner speed, running on the football field to always be in the thick of the action was child's play right from the start: after taking the FIGC referee course, the young Gambian has become one of the most popular referees in youth football. "This year I refereed fourteen games in the youth and regional students category - Seedya says -, refereeing is fun for me: I still struggle a bit during roll calls to pronounce the Sardinian surnames of the players, and in the locker rooms there are always big laughs for everyone. I would like to stay here with the people I have met and who made me feel at home, and I would like to continue doing a lot of sports".
The friends
Giuseppe Scioni, president of Asd Podismo Sarroch, has been a point of reference for Seedya and other kids like him who have fled poverty in their homelands over the past year. He was the one who noticed that the young man ran on the asphalt like the wind: "The first time I saw him I immediately thought he had great talent. After taking part in the Shark Max race organised at the end of last summer, he joined our club. He is very good and often reaches the podium in races. With targeted training, he could reach very high levels. Seedya has a sunny disposition. He is a really good guy. The risk now is that once he turns 18, he will be transferred to Cagliari or Quartu as soon as possible, where projects for adults are organised: we would like him to stay here because he is now part of our family." Alberto Atzori is the coach at the Fitness Club, the gym that Seedya has been attending since he arrived in Sarroch, he too has learned to appreciate his character: «Seedya, like the other boys who are guests of the parish and who attend the gym, have always been very well-mannered, they train very willingly with weights, they are now at home here with us».
Ivan Murgana