Iron Man - Woman contest at Beruwela

FOR the first time in the history of Sri Lanka, a Triathlon (Iron Man/Woman contest) is being organized by the Confifi Group of Companies to be held in Beruwela during the height of the Tourist Season early next year.

The Confifi Group has a reputation for coming up with innovative ideas to promote Tourism in Beruwela where they have four of the well known Beach Resort Hotels on the West Coast all located within the Golden Mile.

The organizers feel that after the Tsunami which has had a continuing negative low spirit atmosphere in the area the beautiful coastal stretch from Payagala, Beruwela to Bentota and the adjoining satellite villages surrounding Kanda Vihara, Aluthgama and Dharga Town require re-awakening.

The contest will consist of three events starting with Swimming in the open sea, Cycling followed by Running (Marathon type) over a distance.

The organizers intend to stage this contest in the Golden Mile in Beruwela where the four Confifi Group Hotels are located, and as in the first ever Beach Derby that was introduced by the Managing Director, Stefan Furkhan of the Confifi Group two years ago, the idea is to not only have a competition for young people of the area but also to involve the whole of Beruwela and the adjoining towns in the event which would be like a local festival.

Swimming will be in the sea between Confifi Beach Hotel and Eden Resort and Spa. Cycling will be from Beruwela to Payagala return, and the Marathon run is from Beruwela through Aluthgama, Dharga Town and return to Beruwela.

The involvement of the relevant Athletic Associations to harness the support of the Officials, Starters, Referees, etc., have been arranged, and the Managing Director of Confifi Group Stefan Furkhan said that "it will be a landmark event involving the entire community of all citizens and the civil sector, Police, Pradeshiya Sabha, Schools, Temples, Churches, Mosques and the public".

Anura Lokuhetty, Chief Executive Officer of the Confifi Group said that they "intend getting the Tourism and Travel trade, the Ministry of Tourism, Ceylon Tourist Board, SriLankan Airlines, Government officials, and foreign tour operators to lend official support and sponsor some of the events".

Handsome cash prizes, free overseas travel tickets, weekend and meal vouchers for the Hotels have all been lined up for the winners. The awards are intended to be given at a Gala Function followed by a Dinner at the five Star Eden Resort and Spa in Beruwela.