Airtel scrums Peterite Rugby for second year

A leading global telecommunication company with its operations over 20 countries across Asia and Africa Bharti Airtel, announced the renewal of its partnership for the year 2013 as the principle sponsor of the Rugby season with St. Peter’ College. The two year strategic partnership was renewed for the second time after its initial formulation in 2012.

Bharti Airtel Lanka Brands and Marketing Communications head Charith de Chieckera, St. Peter’s College Middle school Priest in charge and Sports Co-ordinator Rev. Ft Lakmin Prasanga Silva, St. Peter’s College Colombo Rector Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO/MD Suren Goonawardene, Bharti Airtel Lanka Marketing Head Chandrashekhar Singh Chauhan and St. Peters College Colombo Rugby Coach Colin Dinesh together with the first XV squad

St. Peter’s College was the fourth school to play Rugby at a competitive level in Sri Lanka, starting from the victory by Shirley Illesinghe in 1934. This historic match was played against Royal College with a win of 5-0. In 2013, St. Peter’s Rugby team made its mark by winning the all island U18 and U20 inter-school Rugby Sevens Championships.

Currently the College Rugby team is placed in Division 1, Group A and is looking forward to an exciting season this year. St. Peters last won the Interschool Rugby Championship in the year 2010 and was placed third in 2012.

Speaking about the renewal of the sponsorship, Bharti Airtel Sri Lanka CEO Suren Goonewardene said: “Airtel Lanka always strive to promote dynamic energy with the brand name and with our sponsorship towards a game such as Rugby, which is passionately played by the youth of our country, we have positioned ourselves as a leading supporter of Sri Lankan sports.

We see a great amount of potential and energy in the St. Peter’s College Rugby team. That is why we are very pleased to be able to be their sponsor for the second time and wish them all the very best for yet another successful season.”

St. Peter’s College Rector Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel said: “St. Peters College is one of the very few schools privileged to have sponsorships of this nature and we are very grateful to Airtel for this. College Rugby has improved tremendously during the last season and we intend in working towards a successful season this year as well.

“While I wish to thank Airtel for their constant support and encouragement I hope they continue to be associated with the College Rugby team and assist them to take College sports to new heights.”  

Airtel Lanka made its foray into the field of sports sponsorships in the year 2012 through its associations with Manchester United and Football, Rugby, Tennis, Golf, Rowing and Basketball. The company has been involved in the development of sports, as evidenced by its various sponsorships at school level, district level and islandwide.

While Airtel Lanka continues to be involved beyond just a mere investment with all its sports sponsorships stakeholders, it is committed to developing local talent to international standards, thus fostering sports to new heights as well as contributing actively towards the positive development of youth in Sri Lanka.