John Tarbet Junior Athletic Meet from Sept 12 to 15

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Sir John Tarbet Junior Athletic Championships 2011 will be held from September 12 to 15 at Bogambara Stadium, Kandy.

The 42nd episode of the annual athletic meet is organized by Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) with the patronage of Education Ministry. As usual Nestle Lanka Plc are the proud sponsors this year too.

School athletes from 330 schools ranging from under 12, 13, 14, and 15 will compete in the event in two categories, 2450 boys and 1960 girls.

This was revealed at a press conference held at CR and FC pavilion by SLSAA and the sponsor. SLSAA President D D Keerthi De Alwis said that accommodation for participants has been arranged at Sri Sumangala College and St Sylvester's College, Kandy for boys while girls will be put up in Girls High School and Swarnamali Girls School, Kandy.

Speaking on the occasion SLSAA president stated that the event has been an important opportunity for rural junior athletes to come forward over the past 41 years and that rising number of participants is a sign of more juniors taking up the sport.

Assistant Vice President of Nestle Lanka Plc, Bandula Egodage expressed their fullest support for the event and had the idea that sponsoring an event like this is a lucky chance for them as the event has been a key factor to produce both national and international level athletes.

There will be 10 international schools and 26 schools from North and East apart from schools from other areas.

SLSAA secretary said that this year there will be a qualifying standard and those who go beyond that level will be issued a merit certificate except for the medals for the winners.

With the increasing number of participants the meet has been extended to four days instead of three days.

Maris Stella College, Negombo and St. Joseph's Balika Vidyalaya became boys and girls overall champions last year will thrive to retain their titles while other favourites surely want to grab away the trophies this year.