ARMY SPORTS FESTIVAL OF THE DISABLED-2004 Unrivalled differently-able soldiers show their colours

The tremendous enthusiasm and enviable sport talents shown by differently-able soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army during the chain of sport events that got off the ground, Friday (19) at Army Headquarters ground no doubt, evoked admiration, astonishment but not sympathy.

The Army Sports Festival of the Disabled-2004 in its ninth year, adequately equipped with Track & Field Events, Amputee Cycle Races, March Pasts, Athletic prowess, Artillery Displays, Dog Shows, Band Displays and Awards Presentation received an overwhelming recognition and appreciation amidst the cheers as Hon Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Public Security and Law and Order and Deputy Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri, Commander of the Army Lt. General Shantha Kottegoda, Army Chief of Staff Major General A. M. W. C. B Seneviratne, Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Sarath Fonseka, Senior Officers and a host of next of kin of those sportsmen arrived there at the ground to grace the occasion.

This year's event reached its climax after arrival of Hon. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake as Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri and Lt. Gen Shantha Kottegoda with the onset of the final athletic events competed by differently-able soldiers of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, Sri Lanka Engineers, Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Gajaba Regiment, Gamunu Watch, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Commando Regiment, Special Forces, Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Sri Lanka National Guards.

The Amputee Cycle Race and the March Past grabbed the rapt attention of cheering spectators as they entered the fray for final vying in the cycle race and showed their abilities setting high standards of excellence.

The award of prizes and certificates that got underway afterwards saw those differently-able but self-confident soldiers smilingly receive their laurels from the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.

Differently-able soldiers of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), Gajaba Regiment (GR) and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment were adjudged the best three teams, scoring the highest points. Challenge Trophy for Overall Performance as well as the Overall Champion-up Trophy went to SLLI and GR. Best performances in Swimming (paraplegic, above elbow, above & below knee amputee, total blind, partly blind, one eye blind categories), Table Tennis (amputees, wheelchair categories), Badminton, Amputee Cricket, Amputee Soccer, Wheel Chair Tennis, Volley Ball, Power Lifting, Archery, Shooting and Athletics carried away prizes.

Hon. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake in his brief address to the occasion extolled talents displayed by those disable sportsmen. “When away from the battle-field it was important for soldiers to sustain their commitment to activities of this nature and share victories as well as losses alike. Sports would increase efficiency in life and infuse strength to go forward like how you did in the battlefield,” he said.

The curtains came down for proceedings in 2004 festival after votes of thanks was proposed by Chairman, Army Sports Committee for the Disabled, Major General K. D. P Perera as the Band Display and Cultural Dance Group took the centre of stage