Ratanapala Sports Cub Mahauswewa came to the limelight at the recently concluded Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championship as their players, made up from a rural school Ratanapala Maha Vidyalaya in Anamaduwa, Chilaw, created major upsets to enter the final in the women’s segment.
They barely missed winning the final but showcased their talents in no uncertain terms against the experienced Golden Birds SC Radawana that had many Sri Lanka players. Ratanapala finished as runners-up but their achievement were very impressive considering the fact that they entered the final for the first time.
The lasses from Ratanapala MV are involved in the national sport of volleyball despite the lack of facilities and success is attributed to their dedication to the sport.
They have recorded many victories at National Schools Volleyball tournaments and the sport’s benefactor Dialog presented the players with equipment that included boots.
The Dialog team led by Senior General Manager Brand and Media Group Marketing Harsha Samaranayake made a special visit to see the underprivileged players at practices and donated the sports gear.
Their coach Anil Chandrakumara, who is also a teacher at the school, said that it marked the first time such a donation of this magnitude was made.
Though these players come from poor families it is their dedication that has helped them to perform well.
“After this performance at national level we are aiming to go up to international level.
“Today we can find many talented players from rural areas. I think this is the first time that a school team reached the final in the President’s Gold Cup tournament.
“We beat strong teams in the preliminary games in outdoor courts. We have talented players and the only drawback is that we do not have the present day facilities to go forward in the sport. But we are determined to march forward,” said Chandrakumara.
Skipper of the team Preethika Prododhani said they were grateful to Dialog for their donation of playing gear and equipment which were beyond their reach.
She was adjudged the best defender while team-mate Madushika Harshani was presented with the best ball receiver award at this tournament.