Sri Lanka: Aidex '98 a rousing success (30 October 1998)

30 October 1998

Sri Lanka: Aidex '98 a rousing success

By P Epasinghe

It was no doubt a different type of sports festival - Aidex '98 - an event for Jaipur limb users organised by The Colombo Friend-in-Need Society. There were about 150 competitors who took part in bicycle races, archery and track and field events and they really enjoyed every bit of it.

Sportsmanship of a very high standard was maintained throughout the competition. Winning or losing was immaterial for them. Friendly rivalry was the order of the day. These disabled athletes showed that they were keen competitors, when it comes to sports.

A big bouquet should be paid to the dynamic and energetic Aidex '98 committee and its chairman Professor A.H. Sheriffdeen for organising an event of this nature for the disabled, and Ms. Lisa Chiles - Director USAID, Sri Lanka.

The 8th Aidex '98 sports festival for Jaipur limb users was held at the Sports Ministry grounds, Reid Avenue, Colombo

Recently I was having a chat with a reputed cricket coach who handles junior cricketers. I was a little disturbed when he revealed certain facts about the young kids who are under his wing. He told me that most of the present day junior cricketers were not physically fit. Their main problem is the fear of damaging their eyes. He is of the opinion that this may be due to children's addiction to television. This is a bad sign for your child. Therefore, parents must take note of this situation, and arrest it.:Taking cricket to the outstations

The Board of Control for cricket in Sri Lanka should be congratulated in making inroads to rural areas and taking the message of cricket. As a primary move, the Cricket Development Committee has taken measures to put up concrete wickets in various parts of the island. This includes Moneragala, Bibile, Hambantota and Anuradhapura. There is hidden talent in these areas. I feel it is very important that with the opening of these practice pitches other facilities too should be provided such as equipment, teachers and coaches. The BCCSL should build up Sinhala cricket literature which will motivate the players to greater heights.

It's high time that radio commentators send their teams to commentate on important international matches played abroad. The system of watching a TV set and relaying "live" commentaries is not a good method at all. The commentators I feel do not get the real feeling of a cricket match atmosphere as you are not physically there.

It's so sad that Sri Lanka is the only Test-playing nation that does not send a commentary team for an international match although in cricket we are titled as world champions.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)