Ex-athletic greats in from the cold
|
SLB Rosa during his heydays (left) and now |
Past heroes of Sri Lanka who have formed a union called the National
Champions of Sri Lanka Athletics have decided to raise their voice and
not depend of anyone else to do it as they came together last week to
create an awareness to sustain their forgotten retirement.
One of the atheletes whose cause they are campaigning to promote is
SLB Rosa who is interestingly the head of the Association. Rosa won
several gold medals during his heydays but unlike present day sportsmen
was not bestowed with cars and buses or houses and lands with lavish
parties.
Among his achievements were records at the Asian Games in Bangkok in
the 5000 and 10,000 metres. A product of Roman Catholic School Ampitiya
in Kandy, Sellapuliyage Lucien Benedict Rosa gave up athletics in 1976
and was later coach of the Wisconsin University in America for physical
training.
Association secretary Gregory de Silva was present at the meeting
where it was also decided to reach out to all former athletes who need
both mental and physical help and request the support of the Ministry of
Sports and other concerned organisations. |
