SLSAA athletics championships to attract over 20,000 athletes

Sri Lanka Schools Athletics Association conducted All Island Schools Relay Championships, Sir John Tarbat Senior and Junior Athletics Championships which will be held under the Ritzbury banner and will attract a staggering number of 20,000 athletes, organisers announced at an event held on Tuesday.

Ritzbury will serve as the sole sponsor of the prestigious Sir John Tarbat Athletic Championship for the 11th consecutive year. The Championship is one of the longest-running athletic events in Sri Lanka’s sporting history.

More than 4000 athletes representing 200 schools will take part in the Ritzbury Relay Carnival 2023 starting on Saturday (from 24 to 26) at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. The 51st Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Junior Athletic Championship will encompass age groups ranging from Under 12 to under 15, while the 91st edition of the Senior Championship will feature age groups Under 16, 18, and 20 in both the male and female categories.

The John Tarbat Junior Athletics Stage 1 will subsequently take place at various locations, including the Bogambara Stadium Kandy on July 7 and 8, Beliaththa D.A Rajapaksa Stadium on July 18 and 19, Jaffna Municipal Grounds on August 10 and 11, and the Bandaragama Public Ground from August 19 to 21. It is estimated that over 20,000 students representing 600 schools across the country, regardless of race, ethnicity, or provincial divides, will participate in these events. The John Tarbat Senior Championship is scheduled to take place from September 12 to 16, while the John Tarbat Junior Championship is scheduled for a November 3rd start.

“Ritzbury is honoured and privileged to partner with the Sir John Tarbat Athletic Championship once again. We believe in the potential of our young athletes and remain committed to supporting their journey to success,” Nilupul de Silva, General Manager, Marketing of CBL Foods International Pvt Ltd. said.

Kusala Fernando, President of the Sri Lanka School Athletic Association, expressed deep appreciation for Ritzbury’s sponsorship and highlighted its pivotal role in the championship’s success. “The support from Ritzbury is invaluable to the championship, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity. Over the years, Ritzbury has stood out as the key corporate entity responsible for the continued success of this sporting event, and it helps to develop the talents of young athletes scattered throughout the country,” said Fernando.

In addition to the Sir John Tarbet Athletics Championship, Ritzbury is known as an active supporter of a wide range of sporting events in Sri Lanka including the Vidudaya Swimming Championship, Junior National Squash Championship, Junior National Rugby Championship and the SLTA Tennis Tens All Island School Kids Tennis Play Day.