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Sri Lanka Army

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Creating Renewed Enthusiasm Among Disable War Heroes, The Army Para Games - 2012 Commences

The most-awaited Sri Lanka Army Para Games - 2012, the year’s platform for more than 1000 differently able War Heroes to showcase their multiple talents in track and field sports events, together with other internationally-recognized sportsmen, kicked off on Tuesday (14) evening at Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest read out the official declaration of commencement of the Army Para Games - 2012 soon after all athletes took the formal oath after lighting the symbolic Olympic Torch and hoisting respective flags.

The three-day tournament (Aug 14-16) is comprised 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, Cricket, Beach Handball, Table Tennis, Weight-lifting, etc. All these tournament events in this year’s 15th Army Para Games - 2012, started on 24th May before the finals began.

Director General General Staff, Major General K.J Alwis, in his capacity as Chairman, Army Para Sports Committee warmly received the day’s Chief Guest Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on arrival at the venue.

The colourful band display on the occasion, added glamour and ceremonial atmosphere to the event as more than 1000 participants were lining up to signal the beginning of the spectacle that showcases their talents.

The tournament includes 115 events this year. Moving scenes of those disable War Heroes, many of them either on wheelchairs or pairs of clutches as they rolled on to their specific locations with determination and courage, touched every spectator present on the occasion.

Minister of Sports Mr Mahindananda Aluthgamage is to grace as the Chief Guest on the final closing sessions of the Army Para Games - 2012 on Thursday (16).