Sappers 4x4 Off Road Challenge at Embilipitiya

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Drivers will have to take their off roaders through the rough and uneven terrain of Thunkama overcoming the great obstacles to reach the winning post at the Sappers 4 x 4 Off Road Challenge on August 14 at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineers ( SLSME) track in Thunkama, Embilipitiya.

Sri Lanka Army Engineering Corps (Sappers) in association with the Four Wheel Drive Club (FWDC) have organized the inaugural event which has been named as Gympo, to raise funds for the welfare programs of the fallen war heroes families and disabled Army Engineering Corps personnel.

The track , which is a combination of Army Engineering expertise and technical advice of the FWDC creates an ideal location for off road drivers and enthusiasts as well to experience a thrilling event in the picturesque landscape of Sabaragamuwa with the Chandrika Wewa in the background.

The two lane track in the shape of number eight cross at the center over a military style bridge with tracks that will only accommodate the tyre width of the vehicles is a key feature.

Then the drivers find the increasing difficulty through V grooved trails , sand pits, rock climbing, water crossing and a barrel barge transfer which will definitely test their off road challenge at extreme level. One of the three categories, the Sport Utility Vehicle Class (SUV) is restricted to the main track while the Standard Category off roaders will run along the eight track and two non winching special stages (SS) .

The Extreme Class will have to take all six SS which one could hardly imagine. According to organizers there is room for more than 10,000 spectators to witness the action in a track which meets the international standards.

The Army Field Engineers have contributed their service in the war time by clearing land mines, booby traps and improvised explosive devices and also they are involved in sapping and building bridges and culverts to create a safe passage for people.

They have also rendered their service to construct speed tracks , Foxhill- Diyatalawa, Gunners-Minneriya, Cavalry-Ibbagamuwa, Gajaba- Saliyapura which is a testimony of their keen interest in the field of sport as well.

The Sappers 4 x 4 Gympo is powered by Sewdish Trading Ltd and co sponsored by VVK Enterprises, CEAT Sri Lanka, Asia Pasific Breweries Elephant House and Ceylon Agro Industries.