Mini Olympic dream to come true tomorrow

Countdown to the South Asian Games with Dinesh Weerawansa

Sri Lanka's Mini Olympic dream will finally come true as we host the 10th South Asian Games from tomorrow. The grand opening ceremony will be a rich blend of Sri Lankan traditions and culture with the South Asian sports family.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 10th South Asian Games is scheduled to declare the Games open at a colourful opening ceremony at Colombo's Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium. A packed stadium is expected to catch the excitement of the opening ceremony. A special fireworks display, by courtesy of the Chinese Government, will be one of the eye-catching items on show.

The first few batches of the participating contingents have already arrived and the rest are due within the next 48 hours. The Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake has been a busy place more than ever before as more than 2,000 participants are due here for the eight-nation Games.

The organisers said all arrangements have been finalised for the 20-discipline Games, the biggest ever multi-sport event ever to be hosted by Sri Lanka. They said a strict security plan has been implemented to ensure the maximum protection to participants.

Sri Lanka athletic team, led by Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe are residing at Mount Lavinia hotel. But the AASL President, Devin Perera told a Colombo news conference that they preferred a city hotel, which would have avoided travelling which include heavy traffic jams. "I told the NOC but this is what we have been allocated," a dejected Fernando told mediamen after an evening ceremony to distribute track kits, travel bags and other material to the 65-member athletic team at Torrington yesterday.

The AASL President said the Lankan athletes have not received their spikes yet. "But I hope the Sports Ministry would help us out before the Games start," he added.

Sri Lanka's overall captain Susanthika Jayasinghe, on behalf of the athletic team, pointed out support medical staff have not found accommodation in the same hotel with the team and that it will be a big disadvantage for the athletes. The Secretary to the Sports Ministry, S. Wirithamulla promised to intervene and find a solution to the problem pointed out by the Lankan sprint queen.

With the eight-nation Games scheduled to get underway tomorrow, we conclude the 'Countdown to the South Asian Games' series by wishing all success to the participating teams. May the best win medals!