A new concept was introduced from yesterday (April 10) named ‘Family Run Saturday’ to entice families into sport with the aim of bringing about a Healthy Society, a concept evolved by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Namal Rajapaksa.
He is ably supported by Lanka Sportsreizen who are known to organize and conduct sporting events in Sri Lanka.
The police will also assist in keeping the course clear from opposite the Ministry in Colombo 7 for the run that takes in Buller’s Road and Independence Square from 6 to 8 am every Saturday.
Addressing the media, Minister Rajapaksa said that the Family Run Saturday is a novel event that will give the opportunity for the whole family to get involved in sports.
“The people should understand that sports play a vital role in keeping them healthy. This novel event will come into action for the first time and will help them to enjoy as well as improve their skills and be competitive in sporting activities,” said Minister Rajapaksa at a media briefing held at the Duncan White Auditorium in the Sports Ministry.
He also added that though this race is limited to five kilometers those who want to run further will be allowed to go on further. This will make them better long distance runners of the future.
The Ministry is set to take this program to other Provinces too in the near future and have planned to go to places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Badulla.
Over 500 participants have confirmed their participation and the number is expected to rise as there is no registration requirement.
The Family Run Saturday will commence opposite the Sports Ministry at 6.0 a.m. and proceed through Phillip Gunewardena Mawatha, Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha, Independence Avenue, Maitland Place, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Kinsey Road, R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Wijerama Mawatha, Maitland Crescent and finish opposite the Ministry of Sports.