The all Island School Games Athletic Championship, to be held for the 34th time, will be conducted over 5 days from the 1st to the 5th of October 2018, at the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium.
Organized by the Physical Training and Sports Branch of the Education Ministry on the instructions of Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, this year’s Athletic competition will see the participation of over 5800 athletes who will compete in six age groups (Under 12,14,16,18 & 20) officiated by 500 officials.
The championship which was initiated in 1986 is the brainchild of Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, the then minister of education. The All Island Games has continued to unearth promising young talent who has proceeded to bring international glory to the country. Hon Prime Minister will grace the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest, while President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Maithripala Sirisena is set to grace the closing ceremony.
The All Island School Games Athletic Championship consists of 29 group sports with over 39000 school children taking part in the competitions, with hardball cricket (leather ball) being the latest addition having been added this year. Commenced on the 29th of June this year, the competitions were conducted in four stages with the Athletic competitions set to conclude this year’s Games.
Junior Asian 400m Champion Aruna Darshana and 4-Gold medal winner at the South Asian Junior Athletic Championship, Sprinter Amasha De Silva have been bestowed the honor of carrying the torch of the athletic championship. While Pasindu Kodikara who was a member of the Gold medal winning 4X400m relay team will deliver the athlete’s pledge at the opening ceremony.
The top performers of the athletic competitions will receive monetary assistance with Bank of Ceylon set to open savings accounts for 62 of the top performers at the competition, while Nestle Lanka, Prima and Sri Lanka Insurance will also join hands with the Ministry of Education as sponsors of this all-important event.
