27th December 2019 16:07:04 Hours
The 22nd Army Para Games which showcase athletic talents of 700 plus differently-able servicemen of eleven Army regiments was ceremonially inaugurated this morning (27) at Sugathadasa stadium during a brief ceremony, graced by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as the Chief Guest.
Those athletes will compete with one another in twelve disciplines, inclusive of archery, badminton, cycling, shooting, table tennis, power lifting, wheelchair marathon, tennis, beach volleyball, rowing, swimming, etc covering track and field events during three days of the tournament (27-29 December). Dialog Axiata PLC with its sponsorship powers the conduct of this 22nd Army Para Games-2019 for the fifth consecutive year.
Major General Nirmal Dharmarathne, Chairman, Army Para Sports Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Army Headquarters welcomed the day’s Chief Guest on arrival at the venue. Vice Chairman, Army Para-Sports Committee, Secretary to the Army Para-Sports Committee and several Senior Officers were also there during the inauguration. Flag hoisting at the outset heralded the importance the tournament attaches, not only to Sri Lanka but also to the whole world of Paralympics.
The occasion’s Chief Guest after talking to several athletes representing different teams in the ground at first read out the formal declaration of the opening before a representative group of athletes lit the Olympic torch and worked off the day’s proceedings.
A colourful closing ceremony on Sunday (29) culminates the 22nd Army Para Games in a grand awarding ceremony. Those athletes would receive honours on the final day.
Previously known as the ‘Army Disabled Sports Meet’, saw its birth in the year 1991, but it was renamed to be called the ‘Sri Lanka Army Para Games’ in 2010. The arrangement would continue to provide a sound platform for differently-able Army personnel to excel on the national and international stage and further strengthen their mental stability and sports skills, irrespective of their disabilities.Nike shoes | Nike Dunk - Collection - Sb-roscoff
