Media Release from the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka
National Olympic Committee(NOC) had organized the 70th Olympic day run with the blessings of International Olympic Committee(IOC). Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake was the Chief Guest while special Guests were Sri Lankan silver Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Pushpamali Ramanayake, Asian indoor Games 800 m gold and Asian Championships gold medallist Gayanthika Abeyratna and very special guest Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala and Johaan Peiris who came to the limelight with climbing Everest mountain to enter records .
NOC newly elected President Suresh Subramanium who was his first official event , Secretary Maxwell de Silva and other executive members were present on this event .The event main organises NOC former Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe and NOC Assistant Secretary Chandana Liyanage and their energetic staff very well organised this event while Nuwara Eliya GA M.B.M Pushpakumara and mayor Chandana Lal Karunarata gave fullest support to success this event with the assistance from Nuwara Eliya Police.Asiri Medicals added their service as official medical sponsors. The event started at in front of the Nuwara Eliya President House while Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake were hoisted the Olympic flag to start the OIympic day run under the gloomy weather condition. Susantrhika who took part the front having her Sydney Olympic silver medal followed by over 1000 students from Nuwara Eliya district .The event was finished at the Cenesite Grounds (Race course grounds ) followed by very colourful ceremony .
Susanthika Jayasinghe who was the main attraction of this event with the Olympic medal said NOC has come forward to give fullest honour to one and only Sri Lankan Olympian medal. After 17n years I had to associate with NOC with the invitation of President Suresh and Secretary Maxwell . This event always eye open to all my dedication and success to get 200m Olympic silver medal . I am very proud to say my parents , my schools and officials and those days Sport Minister gave big support to me. I never forget NOC and Sport Ministry give fine assistance .My father was a farmer and mother was housewife. I had not enough facilities . I have a brother and three sisters .Actually when I was running with out track shoes the Present NOC President gave me track shoes which brought from Singapore. But I was shocked to here this news because did not know Mr Suresh was the man present my first track shoes. I came from very poor family . Some days I went to school with out meals . I had only one uniform . Most of the times I had to eat same meals like Jack , Sweet Potatoes, Manioc. We had not proper grounds I got chancer to run paddy fields with my village friends. That,s why my dedication was very high with limited facilities. I got chance to go USA special training and assistance from renowned coach Tony Campbell . However I could speak English but with my dedication I got chance to improve English . My life gives good lessons to all young athletes .
Nuwara Eliya is the place with fresh air. Oxygen is very available at Nuwara Eliya and players have to get more oxygen from this areas. We have good facilities now but each and every athletes shout get practice from correct guidance and more determination . I am the most success athlete and youngsters have to get my footsteps . I have an idea to stsart development programme and talent search with assistance from both NOC and Sport Ministry . In my view we have not proper second string . we have to focus that said Susanthika who mace very decent and valuable speech followed by speeches from Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala and Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake. NOC President Suresh Subramanium also pointed out the dedication of athletics. Nuwara Eliya is the best place to get practice for athletes. We should improve facilities at Nuwara Eliya. We NOC always like to give support for athletes said NOC Chief.
Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala and Johaan Pieris also speaking this event said both of them were climbing Everest with more dedication . Mental strength is the most important . Both of us have trained very hard nearly five years . We were climbed nearly two months to reach the top of the Everest . We knew some people were passed away during this hard journey said Jayanthi. She also thanked NOC to make good recognition for them with the invitation added Johaan .
The especial art event to mark the Olympic day run was held at the St Micheal,s College Nuwara Eliya and first five winners were received valuable certificates and prizes from the NOC executive memebers. The day before Olympic day run special workshop was conducted by NOC for the Nuwara Eliya district Physical Education teachers and Dr B.L.H Perera the NOC course was conducted successfully. Especial training programme conducted by qualified Football and Volleyball Instructors and followed by certificate awarding ceremony organised by the NOC. (NOC MEDIA UNIT – pIX by Thusith Wijedhoru.)
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