Ritzbury sole sponsor of Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championships 2018

Supporting young athletes, Ritzbury as sole sponsors of the 88th Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championship 2018 handed over the sponsorship cheque to officials of the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) recently. From left: CBL Foods International Public Relations Manager Janaka Botheju, CBL Foods International Ritzbury Brand Manager Aruna Liyanapathirana, CBL Foods International General Manager Marketing Nilupul De Silva, SLSAA Special Adviser – Sports Sunil Jayaweera, SLSAA Secretary Nevill Rodrigo and SLSAA Vice President K.G. Fernando

Ritzbury, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 chocolate brand of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (CBL), determinedly dedicated to uplift sports and support budding athletes, announced its eight consecutive sponsorship of the Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championships – now in its 88th year. 

As the sole sponsor of this year’s edition, Ritzbury will power both Senior and Junior Meets encompassing over 15,000 athletes.

The Sir John Tarbat Schools Athletics Championship is celebrated as the oldest athletic championship in Sri Lanka. This prestigious event has produced a large number of national and international level athletes. Ritzbury as a strong supporter of sports continues to sustain and uplift the championship meaningfully through its commitment to future athletic stars.

The Senior Athletics Meet, scheduled to be held from the 19th to 21st September in Colombo is conducted under three age groups: Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20.

The Junior Athletics Meet has been scheduled from 17 to 19 October at the National Stadium, Anuradhapura and will be conducted under four age groups – Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15.

Athletes who qualified from the three regional meets held at Hanwella, Bogambara and Polonnaruwa will participate in the finals of the Junior Championship.

CBL Foods International Ltd. General Manager, Marketing Nilupul de Silva said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championship once again. This championship has such an excellent track record in fostering Sri Lanka’s best sporting talent.  Identifying and supporting talent is pivotal. We believe our sponsorship of these athletes will contribute towards their progress over the years as they emerge into sporting stars of the future.”

In addition to extending its support to all athletes participating in the championship, Ritzbury is going beyond, taking steps to personally sponsor winning athletes helping them reach national level sporting stardom. Based on a selection made by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association, six of the highest ranking athletes among the Under 16 and Under 18 age groups will receive personal financial support from Ritzbury.

The support from Ritzbury will help these young athletes to fulfil their potential and spur them on to become successful. Ritzbury is also committed to taking active steps to continue to support these young stars and help sustain them into the future.

Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) President Upali Amaratunga noted: “Ritzbury’s continuous sponsorship has made a huge difference and upgraded the standard of the John Tarbat championship and we see the improvement in these athletes who are among the nation’s brightest prospects. 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. We firmly believe this contribution and this support is a massive boost and will make them more determined to succeed.”

Ritzbury is recognised as a strong supporter of sports in Sri Lanka and continuously fosters promising young hopefuls. In addition to harnessing talented youth through sponsorship of the Ritzbury John Tarbat Championships, Ritzbury has also extended its support to towards the Junior National Squash Championship, the Inter-International Schools Athletic Meet and the Vidudaya Ritzbury Inter-School Swimming Championship.