Seven teams for Deaf Schools Netball Tourney

CALTEX LUBRICANTS LANKA LIMITED extended its support to the Deaf Schools Past Pupils Association, the School for the Deaf Ratmalana by extending their contract for a further three years, supporting them for tournaments among the deaf children for Netball, Volleyball and Cricket at a simple ceremony held at Caltex House on Wednesday.

Looking back to the humble beginnings, in the year 2002, which was a mere request to stage the first ever Deaf Schools Netball Tournament, the partnership today has bloomed and nourished to a long term commitment from Caltex. From then on there has been no turning back for either parties.

Speaking at the ceremony General Manager Sales and Marketing, Shibly Latiff stated that "Caltex is honoured and privileged to be associated with the Deaf Schools Past Pupils Association.

It has been a fantastic experience for Caltex and my team to have worked with this highly motivated and energetic group of individuals for the past three years and I look forward to taking this relationship to the next level of excellence."

He also mentioned that "as the undisputed leader in the lubricants industry with over 93% market share in Sri Lanka, it is our responsibility to lead propositions of this nature and we will continue to partner and foster programs that provide for a strong and healthy environment as an integral part of our corporate ethos.

Mrs. Marie Wijeratne, Principal for the School for the Deaf, Ratmalana stated that "out of the 15 deaf schools in Sri Lanka only six are taking part in this tournament.

It is up to the school authorities and the teachers in charge to maximize these opportunities created. Hence she urged all the authorities concerned to come forward and pledge their support by participating in these games.

Shivantha Vivekanandan, President and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the School for the Deaf Ratmalana has been a live wire in this association. He went on to state that these sports activities have been "looked forward to by the deaf children in their annual sporting Calendar"

He was pleased at the long term commitment from Caltex and thanked its management for all the support extended. This year the organizers have received confirmation from seven teams from six schools. Namely;

1. Deaf and Blind School, Moneragala - One team

2. The School for the Deaf, Ratmalana - Two teams

3. Siviraja Deaf and Blind School, Mahawewa - One team

4. Sri Sudarshi Deaf and Blind School, Bandarawela - One team

5. The Deaf School, Ragama - One team

6. Islamic Center for the Physically Handicapped, Thihariya - One team

The 2005 Deaf Schools Netball Tournament will be worked out on Saturday 28th May 2005 at the Maharagama Youth Centre from 8.30 am onwards.