Sports personnel, coaches and administrators should work in unison - Minister Aluthgamage

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Sports personnel, coaches and sports administrators should work in unison to make a better sports environment said Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage who was the chief guest at a workshop for national level sports personnel at Government Information Department auditorium on Friday.

The event was organized by sports ministry in collaboration with the National Sports Media Foundation, Government Information Department and Sports Development Department.

Addressing more than 400 sports personnel who attended the workshop on communication and public relations for sports personnel, the minister also noted that there was a mutual correlation between journalists and sports personnel. Sports can not leap forward without media, the minister said.

Headed by Government Information Director General Prof. Ariyaratne Athugala, Sunday Observer editor Dinesh Weerawansa, Divaina sports editor, Ashoka Gunathilaka, veteran coach Yogananda Wijesundara delivered lectures for the sports personnel.

The minister also stressed that journalists and coaches have a major role to play from the grass root level in order to strengthen lives of sports personnel.

Prof. Athugala emphasized the importance of social and general knowledge apart from the knowledge of their respective sport for sports personnel to develop their competencies.

Communication and personality skills of a sports personnel will be of utmost importance not only for his profile but also for the country as a whole when dealing internationally. The development of knowledge, skills and attitudes is vital for a sportsmen or women's future progress, prof. Athugala said.