Olympic spirit spreads in Colombo

Anuradha ABEYSEKERA

Sri Lanka celebrated the International Olympic Day which falls on June 23 by conducting the Olympic Day Run on a grand scale here in Colombo yesterday, marking the commencement of 30-day countdown to the 2012 London Olympics.

Nearly 1000 school boys and girls from 17 up and coming schools around Colombo who often do not get the opportunity to participate in high scale events took part in the run along with former three Sri Lankan Olympians Damayanthi Dharsha, Sugath Thilekartne and Sriyani Kulawansa. The torch was carried by three local qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics Anuradha Indrajith Cooray, Heshan Unambuwa and Thilini Reshika Udugampola at the beginning. The run was flagged off in front of National Olympic House by the British Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanaka Robbie Bulloch.

Western bands of D.S. Senanayaka College, Isipathana College and Visakha Vidyalaya made the event more colorful with their music.

The 4.2km run reached the Independence Square passing Royal College rugby grounds, Baudhdhaloka Mawatha, St. Bridget Convent where the official ceremony took place with the participation of Deputy Sports Minister Dilan Perera as the chief guest.

The British Deputy High Commissioner commended the organizers for conducting this meaningful event which go hand in hand with the 2012 Olympics motto “Inspire a generation”. Bulloch emphasized the importance of participation whether win or lose and wished local athletes. He said promoting participation regardless of age is in great importance and Sri Lanka has done a great job to spread the Olympic spirit. Bulloch also said over 15,000 athletes from across the globe will compete in 205 events in 2012 Olympics and the Paralympics will be held soon after the big event.

Deputy Minister Dilan Perera said that apart from United Nations (UN) Olympics is the biggest event which unite the world under one umbrella. He also said sports just do not bring medals and it combine the nations spreading goodwill.

Deputy Minister also pointed out that sport has a major role to play in making Sri Lanka the Asia’s miracle by producing balanced individuals who can contribute to the betterment of our country.

The Olympic Day Run was sponsored by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) while National Olympic Committee (NOC), Sports Ministry, Education Ministry and Colombo Municipal Council organized the event.

NOC Chairman Hemasiri Fernando, Its Secretary General Maxwel de Silva, SLT Chief Corporate Officer Lal Ranjith and officials from Sports and Education Ministries were participated in the event.

Valuable books were presented for the libraries of participated schools at the end of the ceremony.