The first of its kind at Security Force Headquarters level, the ‘Eastern Games - 2014’, the three-day sports and athletic tournament, organized by the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E), on a suggestion, proposed by Commander of the Army, ended in a triumphant note at Polonnaruwa Mahaweli Grounds on Saturday (28), rekindling better hopes in the field of Army athletics and sports.
Hundreds of athletes and sportsmen and women of all Divisions, Brigades and Units of the SFHQ-E with renewed vigour and enthusiasm in the past three days (June 26, 27, 28), vied with one another in many athletic events, including relay runs (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 4 x 100m), put shot, long jump, discus throw, tug of war, high jump, javelin throw, marathon run, etc.
Saturday’s closing ceremony with finals, headed by Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army at the invitation of Major General Lal Perera, Commander, SFHQ-E, saw dozens of invited school athletes from the eastern region, competed in relay races with excitement and vitality. In addition a team of seasoned group of athletes on invitation conducted a separate 4 x 400m relay to add more teeth to the maiden event in the east.
Band displays, March Pasts and the greetings of the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Ratnayake to the occasion, added colour to the event which goes into history as the first of its kind, held at the SFHQ level in the Army.
The distribution of trophies and prizes to the athletes who shone well in the final rounds by the day’s Chief Guest followed the speech of the Commander of the Army.
Major General Lal Perera invited the Commander to express a few words on the conduct of the event for the first time at SFHQ level as it was the conceptual notion of the Commander himself. Later on, the announcement for the formal closing of the first SFHQ “Eastern Games” with flag lowering and extinguishing of the Olympic Torch followed the National Anthem.
As dusk fell, a display of multi-coloured fireworks illuminated the skies, heralding the culmination of the event.
Major General Lal Perera, all General Officers Commanding in Divisions, Brigade Commanders, Unit Commanders and a large gathering witnessed the mammoth event.
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