Inter-city hotel sports extravaganza on August 7 and 8

Dilanka Mannakkara

“We hope to drift away from the daily routine activities and to have a fun filled sports extravaganza for the staff at the five-star hotels,” said Yasmin Cader, Consultant Corporate Affairs of Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.

She also added that Trans Asia Hotels PLC is proud to announce its 25th year of operation and although over the years, the hotel has been branded under many hats, the management of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is delighted that the opportunity was timely enough to host this event.

Realising the need for fellowship amongst the hotels was what prompted the sports carnival of sorts after a spell of five years which was again hosted by the then Trans Asia Hotel! Having said that, a press conference was convened at the Queens Court of the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo where the six five-star city hotels were apprised of the logistics of the events which are to take place over two days, August 7 and 8, 2010.

An eager contingency of print and electronic media certainly added colour to the occasion.

Graciously hosted by the Director Operations Wasantha Weerasekera in the absence of General Manager Neroy Marso who was currently overseas, together with the team, each event was highlighted and explained to the audience. Participating hotels are the Ceylon Continental, Galadari Hotel, Hilton Colombo, Taj Samudra Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Colombo and the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. Commencing with a Cycle Marathon, the start and finish being the hotel entrance, a route was mapped out where the cyclists would have to finish three laps passing the Slave Island Police Station, Lake House, The Secretariat Building, Galle Face Centre Road and back to the hotel.

Following this event, is a fun Swimming Gala, where a Water Tug of War, Tube Race Relay and an Obstacle Relay will be held, guaranteeing a lot of fun and entertainment for the spectators!!

Concurrently, a Netball Tournament will be held at the Hotel’s Courts where teams from the city hotels will compete against each other! The same day afternoon, the Soccer Tournament kicks off from the Stanley Jansz Grounds, where again the teams will play each other on the ‘Golden Goal’ basis.

August 8 (Sunday) will be a full day of six a side cricket which will be played at the Thurstan College Grounds. A full day of fun, entertainment and food will be provided by Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo for all those attending. “Cash prizes, gifts and trophies are up for grabs,” said Lilan Fernando - President of the Hotel’s Sports Club.