The curtain came down on the Army Para Games-2010 Friday (24) evening at Army Grounds, amidst a new wave of enthusiasm among disable Army War Heroes who for two days showcased their unbeatable sport skills.
Secretary of Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, showing a keen interest in the final closing session arrived at the venue as Chief Guest on the invitation of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. He was warmly received by Lt Gen Jayasuriya.
More than 1000 War Heroes, who sacrificed their legs and limbs in the fight against recently concluded War for Peace, used this platform to display their multiple sport talents in 76 track and field events, in the company of about 150 fellow-sportsmen who remain internationally recognized.
Mr Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence saw for himself how those valiant differently able War Heroes, competing in final athletic and relay events, braved inclement weather conditions and reached their desired targets.
The colorful band display, presented by the Army bands at the same occasion added colour and glamour to the event as all 1000 plus participants were lining up to signal the beginning of the much-awaited prize awarding ceremony.
The Sri Lanka Light Infantry team emerged overall champions in all track and field events.
It was the time for accolades. Mr Rajapaksa congratulated each winner separately and gave away awards to them, as the final phase of the event was drawing nearer. Mr Rajapaksa making a very brief speech to the occasion extolled the talents of those War Heroes who have done their part for the country, a sacrifice that cannot be matched with any other. He also did not forget to thank the Army for organizing the event on a grand scale.
Major General J. C. Rambukpotha, Chairman, Army Sports Committee for the Disable raised the vote of thanks and praised the War Heroes for their excellent contributions.
The Chief Guest towards the end of the sessions had the rare honour of declaring the final closing of the Army Para Games-2010 to the spectators to a thundering applause.
As the Army band rent the air with the famous ‘Danno Budunge’ melody, amidst sounding of retreat and lowering of flags, the Army Para Games-2010 came to a close, leaving room for disable War Heroes to emerge with more vigour and better talents in the coming year.
The two-decade old previous Army Disable Sports Meet was renamed this year, to be called the Sri Lanka Army Para Games-2010, on a concept mooted by the Commander of the Army to the Army Sports Board. March Pasts, Lighting of the Olympic Torch, Declaration of the Commencement of Army Para Games, Oath taking, etc brought variety and significance to the event.
Sri Lanka Army Para Games 2010 tournament was declared inaugurated by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on Thursday (23).
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