Lanka ready to host Asian Junior C’ships

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Sri Lanka is ready to host the 15 Asian Junior Athletic Championships and the preparation is more than for a junior meet, said Asian Athletic Association ( AAA ) secretary and treasurer Maurice Nicholas on Tuesday at the Independence Square.

Nicholas was speaking to the Daily News Sports after the official launching ceremony of the logo, mascot and official theme song of the oncoming event where he was the guest of honour. He further added that the facilities, arrangements and other necessary steps are satisfactory especially when considering the available resources.

Commenting on earlier decision to cancel the event which they announced a week earlier he said that after the explanation from the Sri Lanka Sports Ministry and the AAA it was clear that Sri Lanka was fully prepared to host the junior championships.

It was a co incidence that the AAA delegation who were here to witness the preparation from Sri Lanka as the host country participated in the official launching ceremony held at the Independence Square, on Tuesday evening.

According to AASL sources the AAA delegation had several discussions and carried out site visits to inspect the refurbished stadium where the championships is held. They also engaged in the relevant administrative procedures.

Nicholas and his delegation including one of the technical delegates of the championships , C K Valson expressed their satisfaction of the arrangements . They also were confident of the team of professionals who are in charge of the responsibilities to conduct a successful event from June 9-12.

Maurice also conveyed his appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka , Sports Ministry and AASL for the excellent arrangements. He would also express AAA assurance to other participating countries that 15 Asian Junior Athletic Championships in Colombo would be a success.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was the chief guest at the launching ceremony. AASL

The AASL has announced the closing date as May 31 to submit the entries for the event. More than 800 athletes from 36 countries have already confirmed participation while Sri Lanka contingent consists of 111 athletes.