The opening ceremony of Sri Lanka Army Para Games - 2011 kicked off on Wednesday (28) morning at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Diyagama with the participation of Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army as Chief Guest.
Soon after all Army athletes took the formal oath after lighting the symbolic Olympic Torch and hoisting flags, the Chief Guest Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya read out the official declaration of commencement of the Sri Lanka Army Para Games - 2011 to a thundering applause.
The tournament on for two days (Sept 28-29) is comprised only of Track and Field events. Wheelchair Tennis, Cycling, Wheelchair Marathon, Volleyball, Hand Ball, Air Rifle Shooting, Archery, Badminton, Swimming, Long and High Jumps, Shot Puts, Javelin and Discus throwing, Power Lifting, etc were held earlier at regimental levels.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on arrival at the venue was received warmly by Major General A.P De Z Abeysekara in his capacity as Chairman, Army Para Sports Committee.
The colourful band display added glamour to the event as all 1000 plus participants were lining up to signal the beginning of the much-awaited spectacle that showcases their talents.
Those War Heroes, who sacrificed their legs and limbs in the fight against recently concluded War for Peace, use this platform to display their multiple sport talents in 72 Track and Field events for this year. Spectators were touched by the moving scenes of those disable War Heroes as they rolled on to their specific locations to start off with determination and courage.
The closing ceremony with award of trophies and colours to the winners takes place Thursday (29) evening.
Commander, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Forces, Chief of Staff at Army Headquarters, Senior Officers and a large gathering of sport enthusiasts witnessed the opening ceremony.
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