VB Championship for differently abled later this month

YASARATNE GAMAGE

The Sri Lanka National Disabled Volleyball team which toured India won the Indo-Lanka volleyball championship for disabled persons. The trophy they won was handed over to NVADP chairman Agrarian services and wildlife(ASWL) Minister S M Chandrasena by Vice Chairman Volleyball Association for Disabled Persons (SLNVADP) Major General E P Abeysekara at the ASWL auditorium on Thursday.

Speaking at the occasion Secretary SLNVADP Karunaratne Wickckramasinghe told that it was a tremendous achievement by our local ex soldiers as the team they beat from India is internationally ranked at number fifth.

Volleyball for disabled persons is played under three categories, standing, beach and sitting volleyball. In addition to the National event there is an annual world championship.

This year the world volleyball championship for disable persons is held in Cambodia from July 23 to 29.

He also pointed out that it is the best time to make use of ex-soldiers achievement and invited other all other disabled persons to engage in this sport. Their engagement in sport shows the society that they not a neglected lot in this country.

It was also revealed that National volleyball championship for disabled persons 2011 will be held on February 19, 20 at Western Sports Academy ground, Hanwella and on 26 at Navinna indoor stadium. The organizers are expect around 12 teams for the tourney and the winner will be awarded the S M Chandrasena Challenge Trophy and a cash award of rs 100,000, while the following three runners up teams are to receive cash awads and medals..

Prizes for the S M Chandrasena challenge trophy

In addition those who perform well in the tourney will be nominated for the national pool preparing for the 2011 World Volleyball Championship for Disabled.

Minister Chandrasena speaking at the occasion invited everybody to take an interest in the event as it is our duty to look after the wellbeing of those who saved us from danger. He also requested the other civilian disabled persons to participate in the sport.