The tiny West African country, a former British colony with a population of only 1.7 million, is sending two wheelchair competitors, one male and one female, who will take part in the athletics. 

Demba Jarju and Ida Nyang will both compete in the 100, 200, and 800 metres races.

They will competing in wheelchairs donated by the Swiss Paralympic Committee.

Jarju qualified for the Games by meeting the qualification targets, while Nyang received a wild card invitation to take part.

The Gambian National Paralympics Committee (GNPC) became a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 1999 but have never competed at the Games before, mainly due to lack of finance and opportunities. 

Sulayman Colley, President of GNPC, was criticial at the continued lack of support from the country's Ministry of Youth and Sports.

"Even up to this stage we have never been approached by the Ministry to know what we are up to," he said.

"We have been working very hard with commitment to get to where they are today.

"It should be everyone's business and pride for it is a big achievement."

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