Grab SLB Rosa's offer to help Sri Lanka athletics

I have been closely following the interview of SLB Rosa regarding his achievements. There are others who have learnt the hard way like Rosa. I believe that except for Duncan White who was also from Hill Capital, the best athlete we saw during our time was SLB Rosa.

His determination, dedication, discipline and commitment to achieve what he believed that was possible, is a classic example for all sportsmen and women in this country. It is a copy book story of a successful athlete.

My memories take me back to late 60s and early 70s. I as a schoolboy from Kandy used to do my morning road work in the early hours every day before I go to college. I used to travel from Malabar Street to Kandy YMCA to park my peddle cycle and to attend to my training.

I used to do my road work as an up and coming boxer who was preparing for the national ships under the guidance of my late Guru Derrick Raymond who nurtured all of us to attain a very high level as boxers.

My training schedule included a run, climb the outer Kandy lake road known as "Wess Park Hill" that linked the Kandy lake road.

This was the time, I saw the great SLB Rosa training in the morning on the lake round and I was aware that he, too, was from Ampitiya and I was not sure how many rounds he did but one thing was sure he ran effortlessly.

Since, he was a national hero, even at that time I admired his commitment which encourage young sportsmen of our calibre.

Rosa in his interview has very clearly identified S B Dissanayake as one of the Sports Ministers who saw the practical side of the sportsmen and women and he had a vision. But at the same time my memories take me back to late V A Sugathadasa and late K B Ratnayake who were also two Sports Ministers who contributed to Sri Lanka sports in a practical manner.

Why I was compelled to write this note to appreciate Rosa's offer to come forward and give his expertise to the athletes in Sri Lanka, which I strongly believe, is a welcome gesture and that opportunity has to be grabbed without any hesitation.

We will never get anyone who has all the qualifications, experience, knowledge and commitment that can contribute to Sri Lanka athletics at this moment.

Furthermore, he is a sportsman who has achieved greatness and brought glory to Sri Lanka without much assistance except for his desire to be the best in his field. When he speaks his experience how he achieved, is more than enough to motivate any sportsmen. I strongly believe that individual athletes, boxers, weight lifters etc. should believe in themselves to achieve standards especially at international level.

Determination, commitment, desire to achieve the next level and believe in themselves is the most important ingredient of a champion sportsman.

To get to that point, coach/motivator plays a major role in SLB Rosa you have the correct person to deliver the results.

I hope Sports Ministry will not miss this opportunity, as we will never get another chance.

Nimal Lewke

Former President of Asian

Rugby Football Union