Colombo District Athletic Meet a tremendous success

Angu RAJENDRAN

A record 1800 participants in the age groups under 8 to under 12 years took part in this very unique athletics championships held at the Sugathadasa Stadium Training tracks on Sunday.

All public schools and International schools in and around Colombo sent their athletes to this event that was conducted in a carnival atmosphere.

The uniqueness of the event was simply that there were no winners and losers. Every child who achieved the target time or distance set by the organizers - the Colombo District Athletics Association, received a certificate.

'It does not matter whether they come first or last, every child who achieves our standard for each event receives a certificate, said Sudesh Rupasinghe, President of the Colombo District Athletics Association.

In fact, over 1300 certificates have been given out for 60 events.' Almost 300 participants In every event enjoyed their day in the sun, running, jumping and throwing the tennis ball.

'This is what nature meant for us to do. Run and be active. Instead, in the last five years sports, especially athletics in Sri Lanka has been on the decline due to the advent of the cable TV, computer games and most of all the pressure of studies.

Children even as young as eight are taken from one tuition class to another hardly giving them time to enjoy their childhood.

This very non-competitive non- aggressive event, enabled children of all the Colombo and suburban schools to really have a precious and memorable day of childhood where they have learnt that they can set themselves small goals and achieve it, said the President of the Colombo district athletics association Sudesh Rupasinghe.

For the children, it was really 'fun not to have to be better than someone else all the time.'

Every one left with a smile having enjoyed sports and for the athletes of the future this is indeed a very encouraging start. Sudesh sincerely thanks sponsors Kuwait Airways, Traveler Global, People's Bank and Leesons Hospital without whom this event would not have been possible.

It is important to note that the athletics officials for the event officiated on a voluntary basis. All for the future of sports in Sri Lanka.