Nico de Silva - elected President of Old Trinitians S.C . for another term

By Hafiz MARIKAR

Rugby: Old Trinitians S.C. Ruggerite Nico de Silva was unanimously elected as the President of the Old Trinitians Sports Club for another term at their Annual General Meeting held recently at the 'little house' on the hill, in the picturesque environs of Asgiriya.

Nico as he is known by his friends, played for Trinity way back in '1961 and 1962 as a 'lock' and 'third-row' forward in those days.

In 1962 he played under Jayantha Jayawardena and in 1962 under the leadership of Noel Brohier. Some of the other players who played with him for school were Tyrone Howie, S.M. Zacky, N.T. Madugalle, C.D. Elharth, Mohan Sahayam, M.T.M. Zarook, Sarath Illangatilake, R.G. Geedes A.R.M. Faizer.

Later Nico played for Kandy Sports Club and moved over to the CR & FC in 1964, he also had an opportunity of playing for the Havelocks SC under his friend and teammate of Trinity Noël Brohier against his former club CR & FC.

In 1965 he took up a planting and first played for Uva the, later he turned out for the Talduwa Club known as the KV Club. Nico was also one of the supporters who helped Kandy Sports Club in 1978, the year they entered the Clifford Cup final after ten years under the Presidency of late Dr. C.D.L. Fernando, by providing his jeep for the team to travel down to Colombo.

During his first term as President of the OTSC Dr. C.D.L. was able to resolve many an issue of the club. He was able to get the support of the committee and the members and organised social activities. These activate made OTSC the only happening place in the hills, next to Kandy Spots Club and Kandy Club.

History of OTSC

The original idea of having OTSC was that of the late A.G.G. Perera a loyal old boy, educationist and sportsman, who on the 6th of May 1978 requested the then Principal to look into the possibilities of forming a club. His intentions were mainly to give the present boys an opportunity to take part in sports at a high level and gain experience.

On 19th July 1980 the OTSC was formally inaugurated with A.G.G. Perera as the first Secretary, 53 members were elected as founder members.

The first year was rather inactive since membership fees and finances were insufficient to turn the club and there was no permanent place for club activities.

In 1981 under Dr. S.B. Ellepola as President one of the pioneers of the club, the late Keerthi Ratnayake as secretary, a team was entered for the "Daily News" Trophy Cricket Tournament, conducted by Cricket Board. The expense for the season was covered through the profits made from a dance sponsored by Colombo Paints Ltd.

In 1982 H.M. Halimdeen was elected President of the club and with the transformation of Asgiriya into a Test venue, things began to happen.

A large number of old boys rallied round and gave the much needed encouragement and support. The club during this period was affiliated to local sports bodies and taking part in both indoor and outdoor sports activities, such as Carrom. Table Tennis, Badminton, Cricket, Basketball and also at one time played rugger in the "A" division competition.

The next stage was to put up a new building through various fund-raising projects.

Many helpers

There are many people who helped to keep the club functioning. The Principal of Trinity Brig. W.G.K. Udaya Ariyaratne and President of OBA Nissanka Nillegoda were elected as Patrons. Mohan Samarakoon, Nahil Wijesuriya and Roger Abeyratne are the trustees all three have given their best for this club.

N.U.G de Silva a top class hockey player and ruggerite and a well known man in the golf circle, is the Vice-President along with Iqbal Omar. Amal Fernando is the new secretary and Azwar Mohideen who did a good job in the last term retained his post Treasurer, Chula Ratwatte comes in as the Bar Secretary, S. Umakatha is the Social Secretary and ruggerite Kumar Dias de Singhe is the Sports Secretary.