‘Army Para Games - 2016’ Draws to a Close with New Game Records

The year’s pinnacle of pride for differently-able War Heroes, the 19th ‘Sri Lanka Army Para Games - 2016’ tournament that assembled more than 250 athletes to one ground, drew to an impressive close at Diyagama Stadium Friday (14) evening, providing an impetus to the entire community of differently-able War Heroes and all others in society.

The closing ceremony of the three-day tournament received further recognition and admiration when the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva at the invitation of Army Paralympics Committee graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The tournament, comprised of 120 athletic events was competed by 250 athletes, representing 12 regiments during the three-day period and produced several new game records in shot put, high jump, long jump, triple jump, javelin, discus-throwing, 100 m, 200 m, 800 m event, etc.

On arrival at the stadium ground, the Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by Major General P.M.R Bandara, Director General Sports.

Athletes of Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment carried away the Championship of the ‘Army Para Games - 2016’ while Gajaba Regiment was adjudged the runners-up. Sergeant Dinesh Priyantha, the Bronze medalist in Rio Paralympics was hailed as the Best Sportsman of the year.

Minutes after the Chief Guest’s arrival, band and drill displays set the stage ready for the finals, amid fluttering Army, Regimental flags and Army Para Games flag.

The Chief Guest was afterwards invited to distribute trophies, laurels and certificates to the winners in the tournament in the company of a representative of the sponsors.

Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva in his brief address to the occasion highly appreciated the great efforts of the Army Paralympics Committee for organizing this year's tournament in an impressive manner. He also congratulated Army Para athletes for making their organization proud and recognized both at home and overseas.

Dialog Axiata PLC was the official sponsor for the ‘Army Para Games – 2016’. Mr. Pradeep De Almeida, Group Chief Technology Officer represented the company.

The ‘Army Para Games’, now an annual feature in the Army sports calendar was founded in the year 1991 and has emerged to be one of the much awaited event among Army sports lovers. This year’s meticulously designed event got off the ground on Wednesday (12) after an elegant opening ceremony.

Senior Officers, retired officers, representatives of the sponsors and a gathering of other ranks and invitees witnessed the closing ceremony.