Friendship through sports

S M Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Correspondent

Sports builds bridges of friendship and teaches us team work and leadership which will come in very useful in life later said the Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

He made these observations when he addressed the girls and boys hockey players and officials from 54 schools at the Schools Under 13 all island hockey championship which began at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy yesterday.

He said that he himself was a hockey player for his alma Mater St Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. This is one sport Sri Lanka could go far.

This tournament being an under 13 one, it is the lowest age group. It should be the stepping stone for greater glory as most of hockey players present could play for their schools for seven more years and later play at club and national level.

He said we must thank President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Armed Forces and the Police for ushering in peace into the country. We are able to assemble here without any fear is because of this peace. We should be grateful for this.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the present Government doing its best to develop and improve sports in the country, grounds have been constructed and swimming pools are under construction.

He said that present at this hockey championship are girls and boys who belong to various races and religions. They play as one unit for their school. This is sports which promotes unity among all.

You must not confine yourself to playing, you should meet players from other schools and strike up friendships.

This is very vital as you make more friends from other areas which under normal circumstances is difficult. Here is the opportunity and please grab it.