Sports figure prominently at Malay Rally

By Leslie Fernando

MALAY RALLY: Six sports events will be worked off at the Sri Lanka Malay Rally 2008 hosted by the Sri Lanka Malay Association and Colombo Malay Cricket Club on August 16 and 17 at the "Padang" Complex, Colombo 2.

Sixteen teams will play in the six-a-side cricket tournament, on a knock-out basis. In addition, there will be netball tournament, Sewpatra team event, seven-a-side soccer tournament, table tennis and carrom matches.

The champions in all seven disciplines will be presented trophies and best player will also be selected and will be awarded special prizes.

The last rally held in 2006, fuelled a great response from Sri Lankan Malays where various Malay organizations throughout the island came together to participate in the landmark event. This year, the Rally promises to be more splendid according to Rohan Musafer, Co-Chairman of the Committee.

Saturday, August 16 events will include a gala opening followed by sports, a mega pageant with simultaneous kid's fun activities and trade stalls. On Sunday, the events will be continued and the awards ceremony will be held.

The Colombo Malay Cricket Club was founded in 1872 and is the oldest Ceylonese Cricket Club.Founded in 1922 as a non-political organisation under the guidance of the Late M. K. Saldin, the All-Ceylon Malay Association (now the Sri Lanka Malay Association) has served tirelessly to preserve and portray the cultural and religious principles of the Malay community.