Ritzbury powers Sir John Tarbat Schools Athletic Championship for 10th year

Presentation of Sponsorship cheque by CBL Foods International Marketing General Manager Nilupul De Silva (fourth from left) to Sri Lanka Schools Athletics Association President Dr. Kusala Fernando. Others from left: Sri Lanka Schools Athletics Association Officer of Supervising W.A.D.J. Sampath Jayasena, Education Ministry Sports Deputy Director Upali Amarathunga, CBL Foods International Marketing Category Manager (Retzbury) Aruna Liyanapathirana and CBL Senior Promotions and Activation Manager Panchamaya Rathnayaka looks on - Pic by Ruwan Walpola

Ritzbury, the chocolate brand of CBL Foods International Ltd., this week announced its 10th year sponsorship of the 90th Sir John Tarbat School Athletic Championship, in aim to uplift standards of sports in Sri Lanka whilst supporting budding athletes. 

Standing as the oldest athletics championship in Sri Lanka, the Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Athletic 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 will power both Senior and Junior Meets which will attract over 18,000 school athletes from 800 schools. 

The Junior Championship will be conducted at regional level  as follows;

•1st regional meet – 30 and 31 August - Anuradhapura

•2nd regional meet - 22 and 23 September - Embilipitiya

•3rd regional meet - 29 and 30 September /1 October - Bandaragama

Meanwhile, athletes those who qualify from the regional meets will participate in the finals of the Junior Championship; conducting under four age groups – Under 12, 13, 14 and 15.  

The Senior Athletics meet will take place from 13 to 16  September at the Mahinda Rajspaksa Stadium, Diyagama, featuring competitors of the Under 16,  18 and  20 categories. 

CBL Foods International Ltd. General Manager Marketing Nilupul de Silva said: “We are proud to sponsor the Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Schools Athletic Championship once again. This championship has such an excellent track record in fostering Sri Lanka’s best sporting talents. It is noteworthy to mention that our ten year long association with this prestigious championship has been able to uplift its standards whilst supporting many budding athletes. 

“Going beyond the normal sponsorship we have been extending our  support for the  high performers at this event  on  a long term development initiative. For this purpose, Identifying and supporting talent is pivotal. We strongly believe our sponsorship of these athletes will contribute towards their progress over the years as they emerge into sporting stars of the future.”

Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) President Dr. Kusal Fernando said: “Ritzbury’s continuous sponsorship has made a huge difference and upgraded the standard of the Sir John Tarbat  Schools Athletic 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 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. There is no doubt that 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 women. Ritzbury Mawbimta Weerayek Initiative launched three years ago to power dreams of our national level athletes has also produced remarkable results as a testimony to brand’s true commitment towards the development of country’s sports.  

Apart from Athletics, Ritzbury also extends its sponsorship to power the Ritzbury Junior National Squash Championship, the All-Island Schools Kids’ Tennis Carnival, the Vidudaya Ritzbury Swimming Championship and the Ritzbury Junior Super 16 Rugby Carnival.