Kreeda Shakthi programme launched to promote sports

Saturday, 11 February 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday inaugurated the Kreeda Shakthi program at the Temple Trees to encourage participation of children and youth in sports.

Addressing the event, President Rajapaksa emphasized that restricting the child only to books is an injustice being meted out to the child.

He pointed out the need to involve the country’s youth in extracurricular activities as well as academics to prepare them to successfully face the challenges of the future.

The President requested the parents to direct their children to sports activities as well, without limiting them only to studies. They should be equipped with all extracurricular activities as well to successfully face the challenges of the future.

Under the initiative, a selected group of 1,200 children, aged between 14 and18, from all areas of the country will be given the necessary training and guidance in 17 sports disciplines to produce international level athletes.

President Rajapaksa handed over scholarships to the selected athletes today at the event.

The athletes will receive a monthly allowance of 2,500 rupees, in addition to insurance, nutrition supplements, food, residential training, and exposure to top level local and overseas competition, the Sports Ministry said. The services of 500 coaches will be obtained for the program. Following the conclusion of primary training the government plans to secure the services of foreign coaches.

The program for the first time awards sports scholarships to the children from the North and East.