Medical test, a must for school athlets - Education Ministry

Yasaratne Gamage

The Education Ministry has made a medical test and an Electrocardiogram (ECG) test mandatory for all school children before taking part in long distance and marathon events conducted by schools.

All students should be over 15 years of age if they take part in cross country races and half marathons. Further more when deploying students for running events the school authorities are to make sure that the athletes have undergone systematic training prior to the event.

When conducting events in the category of marshal arts , the procedures should always comply with the guidelines issued by the education ministry. Strict disciplinary actions will be taken against school authorities who fail to fulfil above requirements .

This was revealed at a press briefing held at Sports Medicine Unit to announce the new circular issued by the Education Ministry with suggestions from Sports Medicine Unit.

The topic came into highlight when four students died while taking part in school marathon and long distance races within three months. The Sports Medicine Unit together with the cardiologists carried out investigations to the deaths. Then they came up with valuable suggestions to be followed by the school authorities and student participants.

Accordingly it is essential to produce a certificate on physical fitness and an ECG report upon engagement in the medical tests prior to participate in 3000 and 5000 metre races, cross country races and half marathons organized by schools. The medical examinations are to be carried out at the closest public hospital with no cost to the parents. At the occasion Director General of Sports Prof.

Arjuna de Silva said that there is huge responsibility vested on parents and school teachers regarding the students’ safety. Prior training is necessary for the competitors.

The process of conducting medical tests for students has already commenced while consultant cardiologist Dr. Gamini Galappaththi will monitor the relevant procedure.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Gamini Galappatti said that recent four incidents were all caused by heart problems (cardiomyopathy and hypertropic cardiomyopathy).

He also said that inflamation of the heart mussle (myocarditis) an uncommon disorder caused by viral, bacterial infections that affect the heart could also be detected after a medical test.

In that sense a medical test is vital for students who have recovered from even fever or other temporary illness prior to taking part in sports events to ensure their safety.