The 10th Presidents Gold Cup Championship, Sri Lanka`s Premier annual Volleyball tournament powered by Dialog Axiata will get underway first week of July. With an estimated island wide participation of over 60000 players are expected, the tournament will be one of the largest sporting events held in the country attracting over 4000 teams for the 2014 tourney.
This tournament will be worked off over a period of two months and would attract teams from over 300 Gram Seva divisions including the North and East.
Firstly Mr Kanchana Jayarathne of the Volleyball Federation address the gathering by thanking everyone who was present and commended that this event has become one of the most popular events in the sporting calendar. He also reminded that although Cricket is the sport that has put Sri Lanka on top of the sporting arena presently, it is Volleyball that is Sri Lanka`s national sport. He thanked the services of Hon Minister Mr.Dilan Perera, Hon Minister Mr.Mahindananda Aluthgamage, the Media and Principal sponsor Dialog who have rendered their continuous support for a number of years for this game. He specially commended on Dialog not just being giants in their telecommunication industry, but for the influence in helping almost every sport in Sri Lanka, eg Cricket, Rugby,Rowing, Swimming,Football and Disabled sports.
Secondly Dr.Hans Wijesuriya CEO of Dialog Axiata mentioned it’s a privilege for Dialog to be a part of the national sport of the country and it is important to maintain the level of discipline throughout the tournament as well. He also mentioned that Dialog is having a good relationship with the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and would be humble enough to continue their partnership in the uplifting of the national sport in years to come.
Thirdly Mrs.Ranjani Jayakody continued the good work of the national sport by mentioning that youth in the country are very much looking forward for this tournament. And she went on to say that the progression of Volleyball as being very influential in this small island. Every ground, corner and village has a volleyball net in place and this goes to show the awareness of the game by our youth. She also mentioned about beach Volleyball which has grown to be very popular as well.
Finally chief guest and minister of Foreign Employment promotion and welfare and president of the Sri Lanka Vlleyball federation Hon. Mr Dilan Perera address the gathering and thanked everyone who was present. He mentioned that this is a unique tournament where working people go back to their villages and take part in this special tournament. Mr.Perera shared that winners prize money would be increased in this year’s tournament.
The winners will take away a sum of Rs 300,000/- while the runners up will be getting Rs 200,000/. The third placed team would be getting Rs 100,000/and prize money will also be given to district winners as well and special awards will be presented to the best players of the tournament.
He too like others specially thanked Dialog for actively supporting this tournament once again. And together with the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation hope to forge a new future for Volleyball in Sri Lanka. Mr Perera mentioned that this tournament is free of charge and that through this tournament they hope to bring new talent that would get opportunities to represent their country at national level tournaments.
