Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Friday, 12 April 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The first-ever Red Bull Outriggd outrigger boat racing challenge held for the Avurudu season concluded successfully on 7 April at the Diyatha Uyana premises.
More than 150 participants took part in Red Bull Outriggd in the Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Women’s Doubles categories braving the hot sun above, the waters of Diyatha Uyana and the tricky obstacle course set up on the water spanning 400 metres.
Enthusiastic participants for the Red Bull Outriggd signed up from the various fishing communities around the country who row outriggers as a way of life and as well as trained oarsmen who engage in regattas.
The day’s proceedings were started off with a picturesque display of Dragon Boats rowing to drum beats, followed by a traditional drum performance by Naadro and the lighting of the tournament lamp by professionals who train in the famous Sri Lankan martial arts practice of Angampora.
After a gruelling day of more than 40 races, the final races in all three categories finished with exciting close calls at the finish line.The team of officials led by Competition Juror Mark Maurice ran a tight ship from the start of the competitions at 7:30 in the morning till the end of the last race at 6 p.m. followed by a colourful presentation ceremony held on the water in true Red Bull Outriggd style.The team comprising Mallika Malkanthi and Siyabalagaha Gedara Gunawathi grabbed the 1st place in the Women’s Doubles category, whilst Sisira Kumara and Supun Sudesh clinched the top spot in the Men’s Doubles category. The champion title in the Men’s Singles category was taken home by Sudesh Sathiranga Perera through his impressive display of talent on the water.The presentation ceremony was attended by Minister of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure facilities, Foreign Employment and Sports, Harin Fernando, National Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka President Rohan Fernando and Varuni Amunugama Fernando representing TV Derana and FM Derana, with all three sharing comments of appreciation for Red Bull’s effort to shine a spotlight on sporting activities that are intertwined with the cultural fabric of Sri Lanka.
The event was also supported by the Derana Media Network as the Official Electronic Media Partner, Vaseline as the Official Skincare Partner, Clear as the Official Haircare Partner, FriMi as the Official Digital Banking Partner and Emerging Media as the Official Outdoor Digital Media Partner – who made sure Red Bull Outriggd was a massive success.
