The 47th National Games will continue today with two events on the cards, the cycling and race walking for men and women.
The events to be held in Gampaha today are the cycling race for men that covers 140 kms that will start at 9.40 am while the race walking event for men and women will begin at 5.45 am that covers 20kms.
There will be 125 men and 50 women participants in the walking race while there will be 400 men participants in the cycling race.
Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe said that all individual must get involved in sports to stay healthy and very well. He said that he used to cycle about ten kilometres a day to school and back during his young days.
“Youth of today fall sick at an early age because they do not indulge in sporting activities. I have also instructed all associations to look after their talented sports persons especially at school level to improve their standards further,” said the Minister.
He also noted that events conducted by Lake House previously have not been held for a long time now. He also said that leading sports persons must be identified early so that sponsors can be found for them to pursue with the sport.
“Sport in Sri Lanka is improving and that was the main reason why we are conducting the National Games annually. Though the country is facing various problems sports must carry on to improve the health and get over our problems,” noted Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva Secretary to the Sports Minister.
The winner will be presented with Rs.50,000, second placed Rs. 40,000, and third placed Rs. 30,000/=. From fourth to tenth place finishers will receive Rs. 20,000, 18,000, 16,000, 14,000, 12,000, 10,000 and 8.000 respectively according to the organisers.