National Sports Festival shifted to Colombo

Bernard Perera

The 33rd National Sports Festival which was to be held in Beliatta last month and which was postponed due to bad weather conditions, have now shifted to Colombo. The events will be worked off on October 14, 15 and 16.

The events are to be worked off at different venues with the main events Athletics and Volleyball are to be conducted at Sugathadasa outdoor and indoor stadiums respectively.

The events to be carried out on these three days are Netball, Basketball, Weight lifting, Boxing, Judo, Kabaddi, Karate Do, Football, Badminton, Takewondo and Softball cricket. These details were disclosed by Deputy Director Sports Dervin Perera at the press briefing held at Sports Science Institute Auditorium yesterday.

Speaking further he said that up to date few events connected with the Sports Festival have been completed during the months of August and September. On the opening day Minister Maithripala Sirisena, will be the chief guest while Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge and Minister of Sports Bandula Basnayake are the guests of honour.

Minister Lokuge addressing the media said that the Government spent nearly 60 million to develop the Beliatta ground which was to hold the festival. But the weather gods were not in favour and this resulted in the organisers having to change the venue.

The redevelopment of the Beliatta stadium was initiated by President Rajapaksa with a view to promoting well equipped stadiums for outstations. The stadium is complete with eight tracks and a pavilion, said the Minister.

Minister further said the National Sports Festival which began three decades ago with few events has gained popular year by year and it has risen up to 26 games. The latest addition being the weight lifting.

He said all competitors who compete at National level have reached this after competing at National Sports festival. So the National Sports Festival have been the stepping stone for all top sportsmen in the country. The Government’s aim is to find new talent through these games.

This year’s festival has given the opportunity for 1926 men and 1377 women to come out with their best performances. They will be closely watched by 700 officials, from various angles to select suitable persons to be selected for Pools.

The winners will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and cash awards of Rs. 5000, 3000 and 2000 respectively. It was also stated that sports officials who have served the National Sports Festival for over 25 years will be awarded.