Sri Lanka Telecom sponsored Athletic Nationals start tomorrow

by Leslie FERNANDO

ATHLETICS: The 87 th National Athletic Championships will be held on September 28, 29 and 30 this year with the participation of over 800 competitors at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

This year, there is an increase of over 250 competitors over last year, the increase significantly has come from the rural areas. This augurs well for the improvement of performances in the areas where most of the talented athletes are to be found, said Major General Palitha Fernando, the President of Athletic Association of Sri Lanka at a press briefing held at the Athletic Association head office, Torrington Avenue on Wednesday.

Fernando added that this meet will serve as a trial to pick athletes for training pools in preparation for South Asian Federation Games, Asian Athletic Championships, Commonwealth Games and also Asian Games.

Altogether 35 events will be worked off for both men and women. The Heptathlon and Decathlon events will also be worked off.

"We have to scientifically develop the athletic abilities of the competitors at all levels as they will be representing the country at the future international competitions", remarked the Athletics Chief Palitha Fernando.

The Athletics Chief said that as a responsible association in taking forward the progress of athletics, the Association has to work closely with the coaches, trainers an others in the management of athletics to achieve Sri Lanka's aim to win medals in the future Fernando added.

The AASL appreciates very much the assistance given to the association by our principal sponsor Sri Lanka Telcom, particularly Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Telecom without whose assistance we could not have organised this year's championships.

Fernando also said that South Asian Athletic Federation has decided to stage the Junior South Asian Games for those under-20, both boys and girls from December 10 to 12 in Chennai, India.

"Sri Lanka Telcom takes great pride in sponsoring the National Athletic Championships this year which goes hand in hand with our commitments to lead the nation through the strengthening and development of relationship through sports," said Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Telecom.

The National Athletic Championships 2009, I believe is very significant event for the athletes in Sri Lanka where national athletes will show their talent in view of competing in the international arena.

The championships will further provide an inspiration to budding athletes all over the country and it will also help seasoned sportsmen and women to reach greater heights and improve their level of competency.

Sri Lanka Telcom has been an ardent supporter of the activities of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka right through and our commitment to develop sports in Sri Lanka will continue", said Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena.