The 16th ‘Sri Lanka Army Para Games - 2013’ final tournament, the year’s platform that showcases multiple sports and athletic skills of more than 845 disable War Heroes of the Army, got to a ceremonial start Tuesday (24) morning with Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, inaugurating the event at Colombo Sugathadasa Stadium as the Chief Guest.
The Army ‘Para Sports Committee,’ currently chaired by Major General Jagath Dias saw its birth way back in the year 1991 with the view to promoting sports, track and field skills among hundreds of disable War Heroes of the Army.
Major General Jagath Dias, Chairman, ‘Sri Lanka Army Para Sports Committee’ warmly received the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Ratnayake on arrival at the stadium.
The three-day long (Sept 24-26) tournament formally commenced in June 2013 earlier with wheelchair Basket Ball competitions, followed Badminton, Cycling, Wheelchair Marathon, Archery, Weight Lifting, Volleyball, Volleyball (sitting), Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, Cricket, Swimming, Wheelchair Tennis, Air Rifle Shooting and Athletics, etc and has been continuing to this date in different Army Regimental Headquarters and grounds on a staggered basis before today’s ceremonial commencement. Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake hoisted the National Flag on the occasion.
Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake at the request of the Chairman read out the official opening declaration of the ‘Sri Lanka Army Para Games – 2013’ soon after all athletes took the formal oath after lighting the symbolic Olympic Torch.
The colourful band display meanwhile, added glamour and colour to the occasion as all athletes participating in the events lined up to signal the formal commencement of the three-day tournament which display their inert talents despite their disability.
Moving scenes of those disable War Heroes, many of whom are either on wheelchairs or pairs of clutches as they were rolling on to their specific locations with renewed determination and unfailing courage, touched every spectator at the occasion.
In the year 2012, Staff Sergeant Pradeep Sanjaya of the Army brought fame to Sri Lanka after claiming a Bronze Medal in the 400 m marathon run in the London Paralympics Tournament and securing another Bronze medal in France afterwards.
Staff Sergeant Pradeep Sanjaya is expected to compete in the ongoing tournament at Sugathadasa Stadium, together with his fellow –workmates in the Army. A large gathering of senior officers were present at the inaugural ceremony.
The closing ceremony will take place on Thursday (26) afternoon.
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