St. Benedict's win relay carnival for first time
St. Benedicts College, Kotahena and A. Ratnayake MMV, Walala won the boys and girls overall, All Island Schools Relay Championship 2016 held at Bogambara Stadium, Kandy.
The championship was held from June 22nd to 24th.Over 3000 athletes took part from 350 schools.There were four age groups for girls and boys -under 15,17,19 and 21. The championship was conducted by Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association partnering with Ministry of Education. The main sponsors was Ceylon Biscuits Limited' Ritzbury' brand.
St. Benedicts, who clinched the boys championship won two age group categories -under 15 and 17. In the girls section, A. Ratnayake MMV, won three group categories-under 17,19 and 21 to grab the girls Championship.
A. Ratnayake MMV won the highest marks for boys and girls competitions.
The notable factor in this years competition was, there was no records created. After 16-long years, this All Island Schools Relay championship was held by Ministry of Education.
After conclusion of the championship, the coach of athletics for St. Benedict'sI.D. Premasiri stated."We have produced good athletics in the recent past. In the 150-years of this school, this was the first time Benedictines have a won a relay championship. This a great achievement by St.Benedicts."
Susantha Fernando, the head coach of athletics for A. Ratnayake MMV, said "Since year 2000, we have won the relay championship on many occasions. This is not a new thing for us. Our next target this year is to win the athletic championship in the All Island School Games."