Holy Cross College Kalutara make their mark at national level athletics

Holy Cross College, Kalutara concluded a fruitful season with a creditable 15th place finish at the highly competitive All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium last week.

The All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship sees almost all schools in the country taking part in the competition at the initial stages, namely the Divisional and Zonal championships. On such a backdrop, being ranked among the first 20 schools in the country is a huge accomplishment.

Sprinters Shivantha Deshan Fernando and Chamith Loshana de Silva were the standout performers for Holy Cross this year as their debut season culminated with them securing podium places at the All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship.

While Chamith bagged the silver medals in the Under 16 boys: 100 m (11.39 secs) and 200 m (22.45 secs), Shivantha Deshan won the bronze in the Under 16 400 metres (51.17 secs). Though he finished just outside the podium in the 800 metres he was able to produce an outstanding performance returning a time of 2:00.69 seconds in the final.

Holy Cross commenced the season dominating the Kalutara Zonal schools athletics championship. They aggregated a massive total of 125 points to retain the overall title. It was a huge accomplishment for the premier boys school of the area as they beat the closest rivals by a massive lead. The runners up Sri Sumangala College, Panadura accumulated just 50 points.

Coached by Dilan Mendis, who was also instrumental in guiding Dinuka Deshan from a little known Crusader from this school to a medal winner at Asian level, Holy Cross has begun to supply sprint talent to national level.

Their presence was felt at almost all the top level competitions this year including the Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletics Championship and the Western Province Schools Games Athletics Championship.

According to Dilan Mendis, the importance given to sports by Rev. Fr. Rector Prasad Niranjan has stood the team in good stead. “The school is blessed to have a Rector in the caliber of Rev. Fr. Prasad Niranjan, who understands the importance of both sports and education,” said Mendis.

“With his support we are looking forward to do better next season,” said Mendis.

Holy Cross College coach Dilan Mendis flanked by All Island Schools Games medallists Chamith Loshana (left) and Shivantha Deshan.