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| Monday, 21 June 2004 |
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More disciplines at 10th SAF Games by Bernard Perera The Tenth South Asian Federation (SAF) Games which is to be held in Sri Lanka from August 15-25, 2005 is expected to be one of the best, according to president of the SAF Olympic Council Hemasiri Fernando. The dates, venues and the number of events for the SAF Games was decided at the 33rd South Asian Olympic Council meeting chaired by Fernando and held at the Galle Face Hotel on the same day with the participation of delegates from all seven SAF countries. Addressing a press conference at the same venue on Saturday, Fernando briefed the media of the decisions arrived at the council meeting. He said that as the host country Sri Lanka had won its proposal to have four additional events included for the SAF Games making it 19 disciplines overall. He said the event will be the biggest ever SAF Games. Fernando said that he and his team had wide discussions with delegates to present a clear picture of the country's capabilities to hold this event, and added that he made a direct point to his counterparts about the lack of facilities to have large contingents based in Colombo. "With this difficulty in our hands we informed the delegates that few events will be staged out of the city with a new vision to attract more people to the sports arena," said Fernando. The organising committee have already decided to conduct a few indoor events at Peradeniya Campus Sports Complex and to have the rowing events at Bolgoda Lake, which could help ease the congestion in the city. He pointed out that earlier the host country had nearly three years to plan for the games, but this time Sri Lanka had got only 14 months to complete all arrangements. "This is a very tough task but with the assistance from all concerned parties the organisers hope to have a colourful games to satisfy competitors from all SAF nations," he said. The cost of the game is over Rs. 500 million. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga who is heading the organising committee presiding at this press briefing along with his deputy Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi said that his ministry is going all out to make the games a success. "This is not the first occasion we are holding this event. We have the talent and the expertise for the job. It is time for us now to put things right on the track. It is a must because we are left with a short-time span," said Kumaratunga. "With Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse's assurance to give the fullest co-operation, we are sure to come out with a good show," he said. Kumaratunga added that the stadium needs the development work which are very important for an event of this nature. Especially the electronic timer needs attention. Though it was installed nearly three years ago the authorities have failed to use this mechanism. We are hopeful this could be brought back to working order in time for the games," said the Minister. He said the government is ready to spend around Rs. 300 million while the balance is to be found by way of sponsors. |
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