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| Thursday, 22 January 2004 |
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Poor athletes in for good times by Dinesh Weerawansa Shivli Eugene - the first of the three Ukrainian international coaches contracted by Sri Lanka to train the national athletic poolists arrived in Colombo yesterday, along with international sports specialist Alex Mineyeko. It was Mineyeko, a British national who has been a sports specialist for years, who secured the services of three Ukrainians to boost Sri Lanka athletics. In an exclusive interview with the 'Daily News', Mineyeko said Sri Lanka athletics should have a great future. Mineyeko said the future of world athletics lies with the poor people. When questioned about his impressions on Sri Lanka athletics, Mineyeko's fired a surprise question back at the writer; What is the percentage of poor people in your country? And my immediate reply was "the majority is poor,". The answer was good enough for the British sports specialist to reason out Sri Lanka's chances in the international track and field world. "The future of athletics are in the hands of poor people around the world. Sri Lanka too should have its own contribution. Do think a doctor or a lawyer would wholeheartedly encourage their children to take to athletics? Absolutely no. It's a game boosted by poor people around the world. That is why I say Sri Lankans too should do better in future," he remarked. Mineyeko said Sri Lanka is blessed with some talented sprinters. "You have got some good sprinters. But in the field events like jumps, you have a long way to go. That's where specialised attention should be paid. Overall, Sri Lanka should do even better in the years to come," he predicted. Alex Mineyeko paid a glowing tribute to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Johnston Fernando, who played a key role in Sri Lanka gaining the services of three paid professional international coaches for the first time ever in local sports history. "He is such a dynamic and enthusiastic man. He is a great young promoter of the game. I have met many sports ministers over the world but he (Minister Fernando) is a special kind of a man who plays an important role," he added. The two other Ukrainian coaches are due to arrive in Colombo today. One will handle sprinters while the other will take charge of middle and long distance runners. AASL officials said Shivli Eugene will be in charge of the jumpers and has shown a keen interest in grooming the Lankans to some of the key meets ahead. Eugene will take a couple of days rest before he have discussions with the Lankan officials and coaches to plan out a short term and long term strategy. His immediate task is to groom the Sri Lanka team for the forthcoming SAF Games in Islamabad, Pakistan from March 29 to April 7. The three Ukrainians have been hired at a monthly payment of USD 54,00, which will be provided by the Sports Ministry. The AASL will meet the other expenses involving their accommodation, food etc. |
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