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On 6 February DSI announced the launch of the 20th DSI Supersport Schools Volleyball Championship at a press conference held at Hotel Nippon, Colombo.
The number one footwear manufacturer in the country has come forward, with the support of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and the School Volleyball Association of the Ministry of Education, to organise this tournament, which has a significant spot in the history of Sri Lankan volleyball.
Initiated by DSI in 1999 along with the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and the Ministry of Education, the purpose of the championship is to provide an opportunity, as well as necessary support, to rural and urban volleyball players, while also providing a platform of national standard for them to show off their skills and further build their careers in both the national and international arena. The initiation of the schools’ volleyball championship has contributed in the development of nearly 40 sports personalities.
At the point of initiation, a total of 198 teams participated in the championship. This year the organisers expect the participation of over 5000 teams from across the island.
The tournament will be held at both, district and national levels with the district matches taking place from the 28th of February to the 31st of March, and the national level matches from the 27th April to 7th of May. Final matches will be on the 24th and 25th of May. The age categories are as follows: Under 11 Boys/ Girls, Under 13 Boys/ Girls, Under 15 Boys/ Girls, Under 17 Boys/Girls and Under 19 Boys/Girls. The Under 11 Boys/Girls categories were added for the first time last year.
Applications for the tournament will be available by 15 February at respective schools and all DSI showrooms across the island. Completed applications should be submitted to the nearest DSI Showroom. Applications can also be posted to the Marketing Department at No. 257, High Level Road, Navinna, Maharagama. All applications must be submitted before 25 February.
“It is a significant occasion for us at DSI, as 2020 marks the 20th year of the DSI Supersport Schools Volleyball Championship. It is both a pleasure and privilege for DSI to sponsor this much-anticipated annual event, which serves as a platform of recognition for the talented young sportsman/women from schools all across the island. It is also our hope that the DSI Supersport Schools Volleyball Championship will play a crucial role in developing and popularising Volleyball as the national sport of our country,” said Thusitha Rajapaksa, Managing Director of D. Samson & Sons Ltd.