MAS support for proposed Royal College Sports Arena

Marking the 175th year anniversary of their alma mater, Royal College, young and old Royalists are uniting with the aim of facilitating a new era for Royal sportsmen, and athletes across the country - a multi storied sporting arena. For MAS Holdings, always supporting the future talent of Sri Lanka, this presented an opportunity for their own contribution of Rs. 20 million to ignite the sparks of the younger generation, creating possibilities of future Champions and Olympians.

At present, Royal College plays host to a diverse range of sports for school athletes as well as professional sportsmen and women at their existing Sports Complex which consists of rugby and soccer grounds, gymnasium, basketball, volleyball, squash and badminton courts, also catering to many international sporting events.

Complementing this complex, the proposed multi-storied arena will house an international standard boxing ring, facilities for table tennis, a modern gymnasium, basketball court, volleyball court and a separate enclosure for full-contact sports such as wrestling, karate and wushu along with the ability to accommodate over 600 spectators and sports enthusiasts.

The Rs. 20 million donation from MAS Holdings will facilitate the international standard boxing ring along with the required boxing equipment and amenities. The form of the proposed arena will be a combination of character and dynamic flow of space with a modern flair of architecture, yet will blend perfectly into the timelessly grand structures that presently house the College.

As a company that routinely goes out of its way to support men and women with active sporting careers, MAS has made remarkable contributions to sports, in both the local and international stage. Supporting the construction of the Royal College Sports Arena is considered by the company as one of more means of making a powerful and lasting impact on society.

"Sports is an elemental force that pushes anyone to break impossible barriers," says Dian Gomes, Group Director, MAS Holdings. "As a company, we have always supported the uplifting of sports infrastructure within the country. As a Royalist, I am proud that as a community of gentlemen, we are going to be part of this milestone, not only for Royal College, but for the sporting talent across the island."

The Royal College Union launched the fund raising campaign to make this International standard sports arena, and along with the Rs. 20 million donation by MAS the Union has secured a considerable amount of funds to date. The key event for generating funds to further the cause is the 'Royal Parade' and 'Party in the Street', slated to take place on the 3rd of July, amidst much celebration and festivity.