Holy Cross' 'walk to swim' effort starts today at 3 p.m.

by Ranjan Anandappa

The Old Boys Union of Holy Cross College, Kalutara is gearing up to launch on one of their most looked forward to projects, the construction of a swimming pool at a cost of 25 million rupees .

A swimming pool has been a long felt need for the school which has a history of a century and a decade.

Building a pool needs money and the revamped OBU of the school has already being activated and a fund raising walk themed 'Walk to swim' and the 'Holy Cross Walk 2013' will take a big stride on July 21st (Sunday) today, at 3.00pm from the college premises to the Kalutara Clock Tower and back to the college grounds.

The fund-raiser walk will be followed by a musical fiesta featuring the popular musical group 'Marians' in the evening.

The 25m and 6 lane pool will soon be a reality for the Kalutara school with the untiring efforts of the OBU and the well wishers which will immensely benefit not only Holy Cross but the surrounding other schools as well.

The OBU launched their first direct campaign for the pool project in May 2013 and since then it has gathered momentum with the support coming from all corners which resulted by collecting a sum of Rs.3.5 million in one day.

Thereafter in a second fund raiser at the Tangerine Beach Hotel in Kalutara on June 22nd, a sum of Rs.11.35 million donation and sponsorships were collected in an event organised by the Ex-Co of the OBU.

The leading Roman Catholic school in the Kalutara district is situated in a picturesque location in a beautiful hilllock overseeing the Kalutara Lagoon .

It has a rich heritage for more than 110 years and has nurtured and produced a large number old boys who have shown their leadership qualities in many capacities.

Sri Lanka Mobitel Telecom has announced their 4,000,000 platinum sponsorship for the 'walk' and the 'musical nite' the two events organised by the Holy Cross College OBU.

At a press briefing held at Galadari Hotel, the principal of Holy Cross, College, Kalutara Rev. Dr. Camillus Fernando said that as the school is situated in the coastal area swimming is nothing new , but thought a swimming pool was an essential commodity for the children.

Rajeeva Gunatileka, the President of the Holy Cross College, Kalutara OBU (Colombo Branch) said that the concept of building a swimming pool was initiated by the OBU , and he firmly believed that education is not only confined to books ,but should be a blend of many other good things like sports, music, art etc. for a person to live a balanced life.

He concluded saying that some students may not be bright in their studies but are capable of excelling in their chosen sport to augment their future.