Success story of Wesley College swimming team

Ruzaik Farook

Wesley College was established in 1874 and during 139 years history produced many swimmers in the past. But there was a big vacuum to mould great swimmers without a proper swimming pool. Fulfilling this requirement was a dream come true and many principals in the past worked hard towards this goal.

However, when Dr. Shanthi Mclleland assumed duty as the principal in 2009, he really focused on this long time need of the College Swimming pool. His vision and the tireless efforts of the old boys, parents and well wishers supported towards the completion of this task and the swimming pool was completed on the March 02, 2012 on Founders Day and was dedicated to Rev. Dr .A. W. Jebanesan, President, Methodist church Sri Lanka.

Wesley College started their inaugural squad training in August 2012 and there were three coaches namely Asoka Serasingha (Senior Coach), Edward Vandendriesen (an old Boy who represented Sri Lanka in swimming at the age of 14) Anton Silva (Junior Coach).

They did a tremendous lot of work to achieve great heights in a short period. The teacher in charge Ms. Shamali Parera too played a supportive role. The captain of the Wesley Swimming squad is Mario Gurusingha. This squad participated for the first ever time in the 6th Sri Lanka Schools’ Age group, Aquatic Sports Novices organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic sports Association where Shamod Athulathmudali won a bronze medal.

The squad also participated in the Novices Aquatic Championships -2013 organized by Sri Lanka Sports Union where this same young swimmer won a gold medal. This is a great achievement for Wesley College, since they were able to produce these talented swimmers from school by making good use of the swimming complex, provided by the school.