President visits Mini Rugby Carnival

Yasaratne Gamage

The All Island Mini Rugby Football Carnival organized by Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union in collaboration with the Sports Ministry concluded at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Sports Complex, Diyagama under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the chief guest yesterday.

Junior ruggerites who are under 12 years of age from all the provinces, representing 327 teams from 160 schools participated. The biggest ever participation in Sri Lankan sports history was evident when 3,270 players contested at one venue in 14 courts. Sixty referees judged the matches and the event will surpass the Guinness Book Record established by 2610 Hong Kong mini ruggerites in October, 2010. Education Ministry with the Sports Ministry have taken steps to develop seven sports including rugby throughout the country and yesterday's event was an out come of this project.

The Ministry of Sports said that they would make efforts to popularize the sport in every province including North and East.

The President also took some time to be with junior ruggerites.

SLRFU officials including its Acting Chairman Hiran Atapattu, Executive Officer Rohan Gunaratne, Chief Organizer Nalin de Silva and SL Navy rugby captain Yoshitha Rajapaksa also participated at the event.