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"Disability is not Inability," read the solgen in the T-shirt of some of the players at The Deaf Schools Volleyball Tournament partnered by Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited (CLLL) held on Sunday the 6th of October at 9.30 a.m. at the Deaf Schools ground. The complete truth of this statement was seen when six teams four boy's teams and two girls' teams battled it out for the coveted Caltex Trophies. Although the expected number of teams was less, it did nothing to diminish the keenness of the players.

Due to the Rohana School for the Deaf, Matara not been present, a 'Walk over' was given to the School for the Deaf, Ratmalana and the first boys match was played between them and Sri Sudarshi School for the Deaf and Blind, Ella, Bandarawela. Although the Bandarawela boys gave a good fight it was the team from Ratmalana that qualified for the finals with 25/21 and 25/19 in the first and second sets respectively.

The boys team from the Islamic Centre for the Physically handicapped Doolmale, Thihariya had a 'walk over' when the team from Sandagala School for the Deaf, Kurunegala did not turn up. They went on to play the Deaf and Blind School, Tangalle. The Team from Tangalle qualified into the finals with match sets reading scores of 25/16 and 25/18 respectively.

The girls from The Deaf and Blind School, Tangalle and Sandagala School for the Deaf, Kurungela were not present and Sri Sudarshi School for the Deaf and Blind, Ella, Bandarawela was given a "Walk over' due to the Rohana School for the Deaf, Matara not been present. As there were only two girls teams taking part, a "Best of Five" match was organized to decide the winner. The School for the Deaf, Ratmalana and Sri Sudarshi School for the Deaf and Blind, Ella, Bandarawela played in this final, but it was the former that played with greater conviction and skill and emerged victorious with 25/8, 25/8 and 25/21. The best player was adjudged Niluka Nilmini Ranatunge from The School for the Deaf, Ratmalana.

The boys finals was played upon the arrival of the chief guest, Anura Perera Director, CLLL and Guest of Honor Nishantha Wickremaratne, Group Brand Manager, CLLL. The two finalists, from Tangalle and Ratmalana, battled it out in the court with a degree of competitiveness and enthusiasm that did not falter even when the rain came down. The game that was closely fought went into five sets, however it was the team from Tangalle that came through to win the Caltex Trophy after suffering a setback in the second and third sets of the game. The scores were, 25/21, 29/31, 19/25, 25/22 and 15/7. Mahesh Janaka - Captain, from the Deaf and Blind School, Tangalle was judged the best player for his brilliant performance.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Anura Perera, Director, CLLL said that "Caltex as socially responsible organization was proud to be associated with the Past Pupils Association of the Deaf, School for the Deaf, Ratmalana in promoting sport among the differently able. He also went on to say that Caltex has taken steps to include other schools for the Deaf and Blind from around the country in its corporate plan to assist and support them. The partnership commitment Caltex wishes to make to these schools would not be limited to sports but extend further in providing assistance for the well-being of the student's future including buildings and important equipment as well".

Chairman of the Organizing Committee Shivantha Vivekanandan stressed the importance of all the Deaf School's in the country unite and make use of this opportunity created by Caltex. He went on to say that now we can look forward to three sports events for a year and we need 100% participation from the deaf schools.

In conclusion he thanked his committee, the principal, Coca Cola Company and the sponsors Caltex for making this event a success".

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