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by Dinesh Weerawansa

Star woman sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe's dream of a second Olympic medal next year was given a big boost yesterday when one of Sri Lanka's leading sports promoters Singer (Sri Lanka) Limited came out with a lucrative sponsorship package which would see her through to Athens 2004 Games.

Singer, a household name in Sri Lanka and one of the big time promoters of sports activities in Sri Lanka, will take care of the 28-year-old Lankan sprint queen until September, 2004 which covers the Athens Olympics, in which Jayasinghe is looking forward to give Sri Lanka its first ever Gold Olympic medal.

Jayasinghe will now have the prestigious 'Singer' logo and brand name in her attire track kits, sportswear and spikes. Speaking on the presentation of the sponsorship deal at the auditorium of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Colombo 7, Jayasinghe said she is extremely happy to run with the Singer logo. The association between 'Singer and Susanthika' was described as a tie up of strength'.

The 2000 Sydney Olympics women's 200m bronze medallist said it was a cream come true in her sporting career. 'It was a dream for me to run under a local sponsor. When top runners like Marion Jones run under sponsors of their own country, I was dreaming of having the same. Unfortunately, all this time, I had to run with the logos of sponsors of sportswear producers who provided me with the material, she said.

From now onwards, Jayasinghe need not worry about her track and field gear track kits and other equipments will be provided by her branded sponsor Singer. Jayasinghe said she is extremely grateful for Singer Sri Lanka and its chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya for coming out with the a new package. 'My dream is a gold at next Olympics. It's a hard goal, but I would give my best try to go for that in Athens next year.

Now that Singer is there to back me up, I could forget all other worries and concentrate on the track and give my best effort," Jajasinghe said. Nest month's IAAF World Championships in France would be the first meet in which Jayasinghe would be running under Singer. Among the other major meets that Jayasinghe would take part during the sponsorship period are 2003 Asian Championships in Manila, four meets of the 2004 Asian Grand Prix Series, 2004 Olympic Games in Greece and a series of other IAAF Grand Prix meets.

Singer was the proud sponsor of the Sri Lanka national team when they won the World Cup in 1996. Now, Singer is looking forward to even a greater success at Olympic level and Jayasinghe is the best bet for that. Success by itself is of no significance unless it can be felt and experienced by those around. Its exactly that Singer Sri Lanka strives to make happen by several tie up of strength' that they have made in sports and other areas in Sri Lanka.

Starting off with the World champion cricket team, Singer has given financial backing in many areas from cricket to 'Bhathiya & Santhush' musical fiesta, explosive action at Bradby Shield rugby, backing Sri Lanka's one and only International Rugby Sevens, rugby development in Southern & Sabaragamuwa provinces, rugby sponsorship to 11 school teams, cricket development and now on to track & field.

Chairman of Singer Sri Lanka, Hemaka Amarasuriya said they are happy to support Sri Lanka's leading athlete and be associated in her future success. He promised all assistance to Jayasinghe to bring even more glory to the country. He said Singer has been a proud sponsor of many key sporting events and that they would not take the success story to athletic track. Marketing Director of Singer Sri Lanka, Asita Abeysekera too has played a key role in getting Jayasinghe under Singer umbrella.

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Johnston Fernando, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, commended Singer's role in promoting sports in Sri Lanka. He said the financial backing of Singer has played a key role and thanked Amarasuriya and his team for coming forward to support track and field as well. Minister Fernando promised all possible support and encouragement from his Ministry to Jayasinghe and all other athletes who could bring glory to the country.

Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Hemasiri Fernando said Sri Lanka needs more athletes in the calibre of Jayasinghe. 'We need more Susanthika Jayasinghes. Unfortunately, we have one and only of her class, despite all the development and attempts.

Hence, we must protect her and give the fullest backing to keep our Olympic medal dreams alive once more," he said. Also present at the presentation ceremony were the Ministry Secretary, N.G. Punchihewa and Director General of Sports, Milton Amarasinghe.

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