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| Sunday, 31 August 2003 |
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A challenge in the great outdoors by Vimukthi Fernando The sky is gloomy, shrouded in all shades of grey. A drizzle and an icy breeze welcome us as we step out of the vehicle. "Good weather for a beer and a cosy arm chair" comments a fellow scribe. It is not a day for a 'challenge' in the great outdoors.
But, is that really so? Certainly not for 31 young people, reservation staff of different airlines, participants of the 'Challenge' programme at Kitulgala on Saturday, August 23. These young men and women came out winners, braving the 'challenges' of the elements. They ran. They rafted. They trekked the jungles and took part in many a group event. And the result? The realisation that "nothing is impossible, if you are determined," they chorus. The 'Challenge', first of its kind for airline staff in Sri Lanka organised by the Interline Sports Club, sponsored and conducted by Lanka Sportreizen (LSR) supported by Ceylon Hotels Corporation, provided the participants "a great opportunity to get out of the office activity we are stuck in, bring out our inner strengths, enjoy nature and team up with people you have not met before," say the participants. Their involvement in the 'Challenge' and their entertainment was proven by the chatter, the clamour, peels of laughter and cheer emanating from the groups, engaged in their workouts. After a warm-up run of three and a half kilometres (in the rain - of course), the groups engaged themselves in various challenging activities. As the groups proceeded with bungy-line exercises, caterpillar walk and roap course activities, the young men and women gave voice to the cheerleaders and found the true sportsmanship in them. While some were vociferous, some were standing faithfully by their team mates - quiet pillars of encouragement. Suneth Peiris, from KU (Kuwait Airways) was one such young man who never left the side of his team mates performing the difficult rope course activities. Asked why he was there while almost all his team-mates were waiting agog for their chances in 'roap walking' Suneth very modestly says that he was only doing his duty as a team-mate. "You need a lot of self confidence and encouragement to complete that activity. So, I took the initiative for my leader was busy helping the rest." Though he was a little scared and nervous before facing the Challenge now he feels this is not enough, and needs more adventure says Suneth. The activities including rafting in the Kelani river and trekking the jungles for over six kilometres has given him "self confidence, the understanding of the importance of communication when it comes to teamwork and not panicking when it comes to adventure," he adds. Madhuka Liyanage, from Sri Lankan Airlines was a cheerleader showing true sportsmanship, strengthening those who needed encouragement, be it from her group or any other. It was her little 'idea' that gave away the secret of the caterpillar walk and made it easy for her team. "The beauty of teamwork is that when somebody fails, others are there to provide moral support. That's how we managed to complete all the activities and did not have to say no to any," she explains. Etched in her memory is the toppling of the raft her team was in. "It happens so suddenly. Even though you are well informed beforehand it takes you by surprise. However much you know how to swim, what prevails is the instructions given. Abiding by the rules brings you out of danger at times," she adds. "Being in line with the leader" is another prominent aspect of teamwork, Madhuka has learned through the challenge. "It was a once in a life-time experience. Especially when the raft toppled," says Anushka Tennakoon from KU. "I realised that teamwork involves caring for the other person and that good leadership enhances achieving your goals," she says.
Though she likes adventure and was looking forward to rafting, "I never thought that I would actually be able to do that," says Anushka. However, "It helped me to realise that if you are determined, whatever the challenges are they could be achieved". It was certainly so, for Channa Mendis, the 'Most Promising LSR Adventurer.' To win, "was an amazing feeling. I was challenged personally. I would certainly participate in the next level programme they offer" says Channa from LTU. Yet in its infancy in the corporate training arena, nature sports "is a great tool for training and development" says Channa. He is amazed at the many challenging lessons nature has to offer - the rudiments of survival. "Having to rely on our instincts, the basic instincts of survival was a good experience. For instance, having fancy shoes, did not stop us from slipping. Being swimmers did not help when the raft toppled. The rain posed additional challenges, which we enjoyed of course," he points out. He was "in a dilemma, wondering whether I will be able to complete even one third of the programme. My work schedules in the past few years had not allowed me much opportunity for outdoor activities or sports, which I thought was the training necessary to engage in such a rigorous programme," he adds. However, in the end he "managed to achieve the impossible," he says. Gaining the confidence that nothing is impossible, is only part of the programme, according to Shehan Pilapitiya, Course Director from LSR. The 'Challenge' was designed to "bring out the inner person, overcome fear, tackle situations under stress, understand the importance of teamwork supporting each other," he explains. The lessons learned correlated to the situations at their places of work. A significant element is "that there were no drop-outs", says Shehan. "The members supporting their team members, and teams supporting each other as well". 'The participants went through two motivational sessions before facing the 'Challenge.' "Since they were young and seemed good 'go getters', we made it a little tough for this group. And they lived up to our expectations," he says, evidently happy with the result. Waving the trophies certificates and souvenirs, 31 participants celebrate their victory. The hardship they have gone through the day "is certainly worth it. If you have not gone through a programme like this, you are missing out a lot". |
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