Janashakthi inspires school athletes to race to victory

Friday, 20 September 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rumeshika Ratnayake of St. Joseph’s Kegalle dominated the 83rd John Tarbet Senior Athletics National Championship 2013, breaking two under 18 school records. Seventeen-year-old Rumeshika broke islandwide records in 100M event and the 200M event and went on to claim the best athlete title. In 2012, Janashakthi handpicked Rumeshika for the Rur

al Athlete Sponsorship program on her coach A.D. Nandawathi’s recommendation. Four other athletes from the Janashakthi Rural Athlete Sponsorship program proved their might at the championship, winning their individual events in style. The 83rd Sir John Tarbet Senior Athletic Championship was organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletics Association (SLSAA). “It is great to keep winning and I am grateful to my coach A.D. Nandawathi and Janashakthi Insurance for their constant support and guidance. What I like most about Janashakthi sponsorship is that they not only support us financially but also provide technical guidance and motivates us throughout,” said Rumeshika. Samith Lakmal of Ratnapura also established a new meet record for the Under 18 boys 200M event while the recent Asian silver medallist Akila Ravishanka won his 110 hurdles event with a considerable margin. Returning to competitive running after a lapse of nearly six months due to an injury and her Advanced Level studies, Shivanthi Ratnayake won the 400M under 20 event. Malin Udayakumar from Ratnapura won his long jump event and claimed 2nd place in under 20, 110 hurdles event. Janashakthi’s Rural Athlete Sponsorship program handpicks athletes based on their performances and potential. The selected athletes receive a monthly sponsorship plus incentive payments based on their individual performances. The athletes also receive support with overseas travel whenever they are selected to compete in international events. In addition, Janashakthi provides these athletes with technical guidance and psychological motivation through various methods including opportunities to personally meet top former Sri Lankan athletes. Janashakthi maintains a nurturing relationship with each individual athlete to constantly enhance their athletic performances as well as educational goals.