Ritzbury inspires budding athletes via Sir John Tarbat Schools’ Athletic Championship

The premier chocolate brand of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (CBL), Ritzbury, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 chocolate, is demonstrating its commitment to uplifting sports in Sri Lanka by continuing its tradition of sponsoring the Sir John Tarbat Schools’ Athletic Championship for the sixth consecutive year. 

This year the prestigious championship has attracted the highest ever number of school athletes, with over 7,000 boys and girls from schools across the country participating, making it one of the most important events on the school athletic calendar. Consistent and inspiring communications by Ritzbury have motivated more school athletes to vie for the championship.  This year the organisers, the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA), have restructured the junior championship to accommodate all the eager participants by dividing it into three rounds in each of the three zones in which the meets are held.  

Phase 1 of the Junior Championship started at Royal College Grounds, Polonnaruwa with budding athletes from the Northern, Eastern, North Central and North Western provinces competing against each other on 16 and 17 June. The next phase will be held from 30 June to 1 July at the Royal College grounds, Hanwella, giving school athletes in the Southern and Western provinces the opportunity to show their athletic prowess. 

School athletes in the Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces will compete with each other at the Jayathilake grounds, Nawalapitiya, showcasing their talents on 5 and 6 August. The final meet, leading to an exciting finish will be held from 23-25 September at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy.

The Sir John Tarbat Senior Schools’ Athletic Championship has also attracted the highest number of over 5,000 school athletes from 200 schools and the all-island final meet will be held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium Grounds, Diyagama from 4-6 July.

SLSAA President N.A.D.R. Hemantha commended Ritzbury for their unstinted support for the event, saying: “We are greatly encouraged by Ritzbury’s continuous support that has uplifted the championship and enriched the nation’s sports, contributing meaningfully to building our athletic stars for the future. Ritzbury’s commitment, dedication and their advisory role have had a tremendous positive effect and will undoubtedly be appreciated by all those who value the inspiring impact of sports on the individual as well as the country as a whole.”

CBL Foods International Ltd. Marketing Manager Nilupul de Silva explained: “Ritzbury takes pride in spurring on our budding young athletes. We have been sponsoring the nation’s most longstanding school athletic championship that has done much to encourage, inspire and motivate young school athletes to gain superior athletic performance.”

Ritzbury has earned a fine reputation as a strong supporter of sports in Sri Lanka. The number one chocolate brand has been synonymous with the Junior National Squash Championship, the Inter-International Schools’ Athletic Meet and the Mercantile Athletic Meet, in addition to its focus on the Sir John Tarbat Schools’ Athletic Championship.