Advanced Sports Management Course (ACMC) fetes its awardees

The National Olympic Council of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) organised a very impressive ceremony at its auditorium, to present Diplomas to 19 candidates who completed the 8th ASMC course, for the period of June 26, 2021 to August 21, 2022, under the Olympic Solidarity Programme. In attendance was the President Suresh Subramaniam and Secretary Maxwell de Silva along with several NOCSL dignitaries with the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation (former DG and Secretary of the Ministry of Sports) K.D.S. Ruwanchandra as chief guest.

The ASMC is considered an apex qualification for Sports Administrators and Course Director Prof. B.L.H. Perera in his address, extoled the value of the programme. In his remarks he referred to the 3 Ps -- Privilege, Purpose and Passion. True leadership is a privilege, leadership without purpose is insignificant and passion is what inspires you to leadership, he intoned to an appreciative audience. The Chief Guest conveyed his admiration to NOCSL for making available such valuable programmes and expressed the hope that better sports management in the future will help Sri Lanka achieve greater heights.

The diploma holders are a blend of youth and experience with participants from the armed forces predominant in their commitment and practice. The yearlong course covered Organisation, Human Resources Strategic Planning, Finance, Marketing and Organising a Major Sports Event. In spite of disruptions caused by Covid-19, it was remarkable that the online activity and physical interaction was conducted with a great deal of commitment, which speaks volumes of the faculty members. One member from Nepal stayed throughout the course and attended the awards ceremony online.

NOCSL feels strongly that the diplomates must remain active in sports management and impart the knowledge gained within and without their own organisations. When one considers the various difficulties faced by national federations, it is felt that such education would greatly help national bodies engage such trained persons produced by ASMC, to improve and uplift their current performances. The Ministry of Sports should also be a direct beneficiary while our participation in international sports events will greatly benefit by having such persons at the helm, it is envisaged.