Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Wednesday, 23 October 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Representing Sri Lanka, Arjun Fernando participated in the World Finals gaining a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His journey first began with the MercedesTrophy Sri Lanka, organised by DIMO, the authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka, where he qualified with six others to participate in the ASEAN MercedesTrophy held in Brisbane, Australia.
Representing Sri Lanka, Fernando and the other winners were able to gather special memories from their visit to Brisbane that lasted five whole days. With stays in luxury hotels to fun-filled social events to experiencing the thrill of being driven in AMG Mercedes-Benz models, the Sri Lankan team thoroughly enjoyed their time. “The whole experience was really nice,” said Fernando reflecting on the special moments that he encountered at the ASEAN MercedesTrophy. “DIMO has organised everything from here, so there were no glitches. I must say that the way Mercedes does all things are very classy and they have subtle ways of making things special.” Fernando was further impressed with the variety of vehicles on display at the ASEAN MercedesTrophy.
In the ASEAN MercedesTrophy, Fernando emerged as the winner from the Sri Lankan team, as one from each participating country was selected 
to take part in the World Finale in Stuttgart. The event, which lasted five days comprised of providing unforgettable experiences besides playing golf, showcasing the legacy of Mercedes-Benz and providing the ultimate feel of hospitality. Highlights of the five-day long event included a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum – exhibiting the history of the first vehicle in the world, a tour of the Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach and the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfinge where the participants of the tournament were able to witness the manufacturing of Mercedes-Benz automobiles and test drives in current Mercedes-AMG models. Fernando was quite impressed with the cleanliness and the way they maintain the AMG factory. “The floors were so clean, you could have your lunch on the floor!” said Fernando reflecting on what he witnessed at the factory. Besides these events, the participants were also able to enjoy Oktoberfest related events, gala dinners at the opening and closing ceremonies amongst many other fun-filled activities. Participants were also able to meet and connect with people from different cultures.
On the turf, special competitions were organised such as ‘Drive to the Majors’ where one could qualify to play in the Monday Foursome. Furthermore, those who won in the MercedesTrophy got to experience the Open Championship as VIP guests of Mercedes-Benz. Another event was ‘Nearest to the Pin’, sponsored by Laureus Academy where participants got to meet Laureus Academy members and Brand Ambassadors Franz Beckenbauer and Boris Becker. “The golf courses were all very good international courses and I found it to be a little bit tough,” said Fernando on his experience in Stuttgart. “However, the highlight for me was, being able to meet and take a photograph with Boris Becker. We had the opportunity to challenge him at a particular hole, and beat him.”
All expenses were born by DIMO (Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC), the authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka. Each year DIMO organises the MercedesTrophy in Sri Lanka where the only requirement for participation is to be an owner of a Mercedes-Benz.
