Over 1500 boys and girls from 21 International Schools are expected to participate in their 19th annual athletic championship that will be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium from February 15 to 17.
This event that was inaugurated in 2001, has established itself as the flagship sporting event in the International Schools’ calendar and is organized by Gateway International School for the tenth successive year.
It will be conducted in six age groups for boys and girls officiated by 350 qualified judges according to the organisers.
The principal sponsors of the meet are Pearson Edexcel and Ceylon Biscuits. The co-sponsors are Melae, Airtel, Keells Group, Meadow Lea and Asiri Hospitals.
Chairman of Gateway Dr. Harsha Alles addressing the media said: “Education alone is not sufficient to groom these students to enter society and be healthy too. With this in mind the International Schools thought it fitting to organize this athletic championship nineteen years ago.
“Thereafter these schools have gained recognition by way of producing national level athletes to represent the country at junior level.
Those athletes who reached national level are Shelinda Jansen, Sadeepa Henderson, Sachini Divyanjalee and Kavindu Bandara.”
Though the events are scheduled to begin on February 15 the official opening ceremony will take place on the following day at 8.00 am with the Managing Director of Gateway Group Rohini Alles as the ghief guest.
Ex-Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara will be the chief guest on the final day.