All-island School Games Athletic events from today to October 17
All arrangements have been finalised for the biggest sporting event in the
country - the 32nd All Island School Games Athletics Championships which will commence today (Oct. 13) and will end on October 17 at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy.
Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam will be the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony this evening.
The opening ceremony and final events will take place today. The final events are: Under 17 boys Discus Throw, Under 19 boys Javelin Throw, Under 21 boys Shot Putt, Under 15 girls Long Jump, under 17 girls High Jump and Under 19 girls Pole Vault.
Over 5,000 athletes from 1,452 schools will participate in this event.
2,684 Boys and 2,437 Girls will compete in four age groups namely Under-15, 17, 19 and 21.
The Games Torch will be lit by Roshan Dhammika Ranatunga from Godakawela MV and Rumeshika Ratnayake of St. Joseph’s BMV Kegalle.
This event will be conducted by the Ministry of Education at a cost of Rs. 40 million and it is sponsored by Bank of Ceylon, Nestle Lanka Limited and Prima.
A total of 27 sports will be worked off at the Games and already 26 Games have been completed under four stages.
The organisers will select 60 competitors for the Best Athlete Award and already58 have been identified to receive these awards.
Each Best Athlete will receive a cash award of Rs. 20,000 sponsored by Bank of Ceylon.
In addition all sportsmen and sportswomen will be provided with free meals and free accommodation and this facility is being provided after a lapse of 24 years. The Ministry of Education has allocated over Rs. 8 million to provide this facility for the athletes.
The Ministry of Education has also spent Rs. 2 million for the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony. The Minister of Higher Education and Highways Lakshman Kiriella will be the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony on October 17.