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| Sunday, 2 February 2003 |
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Visually handicapped athlete Sandhya deserves a 'break' in life! by A. C. DE SILVA Sri Lanka's champion athlete Susanthika Jayasinghe is healthy and strong and has plenty to look forward to in the world of athletics with many meets coming up and she is able to see her fans egging her along which is vital for any athlete. It is accepted norm that crowd support can bring out the best in an athlete and the gift of eyesight is probably the most looked forward to gift. While Susanthika is forging ahead merrily, there is some concern that champion of sorts - P. A. Sandhya Nilanthie, who is visually handicapped, but whose determination to pursue the sport that she loves - athletics, has enabled her to somewhat overcome the handicap that has been unfortunately slapped on her by circumstances beyond her control. She is now 27-years-old and suffers from low vision, but can read large letters. But rather than lament of her misfortune, Nilanthie has come out boldly and participated in the sport that she likes best - track and field. This brave girl Nilanthie came second at the Eighth Fespic Games 2002 for disabled held in Busan, South Korea. She won a bronze medal in the long jump event too at the meet where over 40 countries participated. Earlier in local meets, she had won six golds, five silvers and two bronze medals. Nilanthie is not only sports conscious, she is a bright student too. She passed the GCE Ordinary Level Examination in seven subjects with 5 credit passes in Sinhala Language, Buddhism, Arithmetic, Oriental Music and Home Science while a student at the Blind School in Ratmalana and then moving on to Ananda Sastralaya, Matugama, she had three ordinary passes at the GCE Advanced Level Examination in Sinhala Language, History and Buddhist Culture. She did the exam in brail at the two examinations. It is a method of writing, not a language! She is determined to make use of whatever talent she has in her, but what she requires is a little push from the authorities so that she would be able to make a living for herself and not be a burden to others. She functioned as a trainee teacher at the School for the Blind for year five students and new entrants for a period of two years. She also completed a three-month course in handloom textile at the Katubedde, Moratuwa Handloom Textile Department. Being visually handicapped is a drawback to anyone, but this girl is determined to overcome all adversities and make herself useful to society. She only needs a little push. |
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