‘Crysbro Next Champ’ gathers momentum with a sprinter

Saturday, 22 December 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The sprint event at the Olympics is the one that everyone looks forward to, with bated breath. The winner, especially if he sets a new world record, is hailed as a hero until the next sprint champ is crowned.

Hence it’s no surprise that the scholarship recipient of Crysbro Next Champ is also a sprinter. He is 18 year old M.L. Ashantha Kumara of St. Benedict’s College Kotahena, who received a wide-ranging sponsorship package from Crysbro, including a monthly allowance, equipment and gear required to succeed in his chosen sport, access to the best coaches and training facilities, as well as sponsorship for participation at overseas events, as and when he reaches such standards.

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Crysbro conceived this ground-breaking project with a view to finding and supporting the most talented individuals from among a wide array of sports and turn them into world class sportsmen and sportswomen. Crysbro Next Champ is an on-going project, with a new champ being selected every week.

Ashantha Kumara’s exploits on the tracks include the first place in 2009, in the all island national school games in the 100 meters, second place in 2010 and once again a first place in 100 meters at the same sporting event in 2011.

At the ‘Won Gu Peace Cup’ athletic meet held in South Korea in 2010, he was placed first in the 100 meters and second place in the 200 meters respectively. He also participated in the World Junior Athletic Championship this year.

In order to succeed at the Asian and international levels, athletes such as Ashantha Kumara need the best of coaching in world-class facilities, proper nutrition and the mental focus to achieve a winning mind set.

Crysbro have taken upon themselves the responsibility to provide the very best to Ashantha Kumara, so that he can take his talents to the next level. At the age of 18, he is ready to move into the big league and bring pride to the country.

While Sri Lanka has already tasted success in a power-packed event such as the 100 meters sprint at the international level, having talented athletes such as Ashantha Kumara augurs well for the sport. By providing him with the necessary material and moral support, Crysbro is setting an example for other corporates to do likewise and improve Sri Lanka’s chances of producing world champs in a variety of sports. The greater the number of sports being thus supported, the greater are the chances for Sri Lanka to make it big in the international arena.

Crysbro Next Champ is aired every Friday at 8:00 p.m. on MTV Sports. This innovative project brings Crysbro in close collaboration with MTV Sports Channel as their media partner and MindFor Integrated Solutions providing creative inputs.