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Ritzbury, Sri Lanka’s leading chocolate brand from Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (CBL), recently announced its ninth consecutive sponsorship of the 89th Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championship, in aim to uplift the standards of sports in Sri Lanka whilst supporting budding athletes.
Currently standing as the oldest celebrated athletic championship in Sri Lanka, the Sir John Tarbat Championship has produced numerous national and international level athletes. As a strong supporter of sports in Sri Lanka, Ritzbury – the sole sponsor of this year’s championship too – will power both Senior and Junior Meets which will encompass over 17,000 athletes.
The Senior Athletics meet will take place from 10 to 12 September, at the Sugathadasa Stadium, featuring competitors from the Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 categories. Meanwhile, athletes who qualify from the regional meets held at Kandy, Wennappuwa and Matara will participate in the finals of the Junior Championship; conducting under four age groups – Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15.
CBL Foods International Ltd. General Manager, Marketing Nilupul de Silva said, “We are delighted to sponsor the Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championship once again. This championship has such an excellent track record in fostering Sri Lanka’s best sporting talent. Identifying and supporting talent is pivotal. We believe our sponsorship of these athletes will contribute towards their progress over the years as they emerge into sporting stars of the future.”
Going the extra mile to facilitate an encouraging platform to mould the nation’s young athletes, Ritzbury takes additional steps to personally sponsor 6 of the highest performing athletes with financial difficulties, based on the recommendations made by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association. This financial aid contributes to Ritzbury’s aim of facilitating the development of talented youth in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) President Upali Amaratunga noted: “Ritzbury’s continuous sponsorship has made a huge difference and upgraded the standard of the Sir John Tarbat Championship and we see the improvement in these athletes who are among the nation’s brightest prospects. We really appreciate and honour Ritzbury for taking the initiative and going out of its way to fund six talented athletes who face many difficulties financially. Expenses towards their sport is a daily challenge and Ritzbury’s renewed commitment to develop the skills and talents of our winning athletes through steadfast financial support is greatly appreciated. We firmly believe this contribution and support is a massive boost and will make them more determined to succeed.”
Famous for being a strong supporter of sports in Sri Lanka, Ritzbury continues to foster young, hopeful sportsmen and sportswomen. Apart from athletics, Ritzbury also extends its sponsorships to power the Ritzbury Junior National Squash Championship, the Inter-International Schools Athletic Meet (ISAC), the Ritzbury Vidudaya Swimming Championship and the Ritzbury Junior Super 16 Rugby Carnival.