Sunshine Games for differently-abled Championships

The Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan initiated and conducted an Athletic Championships for the differently-abled children since 1998. We call this The Sun Shine Games as it brightens up the mind and souls of over 1,000 differently-abled children between the ages of 8 to 18 from a wide range of schools and institutions across the Island.

The participating children suffer either physical or mental disability and in some case a combination of both. The annual Sunshine Games offers them a unique opportunity to exhibit their skills and sporting talents.

This year the event is scheduled to be held at the Shalika Grounds, Park Road on March 10 from 8am onwards.

We strive to make it a fun day for them by organizing various other activities in addition to the track and field events. All the participants and support staff are provided with event T-shirt, Baseball Caps, Breakfast, Lunch, Bottled Water, other nutritional refreshments and Tea.

We also create a semi carnival atmosphere by bringing in a merry go round, mini train, bouncers, face painters, balloon vendors and a papare band for their entertainment.

The Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan hosts the entire day’s programme in addition to covering part of their transportation cost.

There are 110 events in all. These events are categorized by age and type of physical or mental disability. The games are conducted on a professional platform meeting international guidelines for such a competition under the supervision of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka.

Winners are awarded medals and certificates on a podium finish to the sounds of the bugle.