The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) has throughout the years recognized and used the power of sport to heal and build character and spirit to help empower the rural youth of tsunami struck Seenigama and its regions.

Of the Foundation’s 30 management sectors, Sports is an umbrella under which there are a number of sports related projects that benefit the rural community.

The sports awards  arranged for handing out
to those who excelled

At the end of 2008, the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) held an evening of recognition for all those who contributed and excelled in the sporting arena.

This story was filed by Quendreda Geuter, the Foundation’s volunteer Development Manager.

The Awards Night
On 28th December 2008 Seenigama Sports Academy celebrated the achievements and commitment of sports boys and girls and staff with the Seenigama Sports Academy Awards Ceremony.

Test cricketer Upul Tharanga is escorted
to the awards venue 

The night was organised by the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) to give recognition and encouragement to local sporting talent, to give thanks for the facilities now benefiting over 1,500 children from 8 schools in the region, and to remember those lost in the tsunami 4 years ago.

FoG sports coordinator Gavinda Bologne
also lights the traditional oil lamp

All sports children were invited, and were joined by Sri Wimalabuddhi school staff, sports coaches and Foundation of Goodness (FoG) staff, including founder/trustee Kushil Gunasekera.
The star of the evening was Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga, who praised the facilities and the work done by Kushil to rebuild the lives of villagers affected by the devastating events of December 24th 2004.

FoG founder/trustee Kushil Gunasekera
and Upul Tharanga hand out awards
as proud parents and well-wishers look on

Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, and welcome speeches from Sampath Viraj, Upul, the Sri Wimalabuddhi School principal and Kushil, awards were presented. These included trophies for the top achievers in swimming, cricket and volleyball, and a special award of recognition to winner of the International Laureus/IWC Drawing Competition, Sriyan Chamod. In addition, ground staff, accommodation staff and coaches were given recognition for their hard work in keeping the Sports Academy running smoothly and maintained to perfection over the last 12 months.

In his closing speech, Kushil reminded the children of the importance of ‘purity of heart’ and that success follows goodness for those who remember others and work hard to fulfil their dreams.

The young sporting stars
with their certificates and awards
and later at a photo call with Upul Tharanga

The event was icing on the cake to what has been a very successful year for the sporting youth of the Seenigama area.

Commenting on the Foundation of Goodness’ endeavour to use sport as an effective tool, founder/trustee Kushil Gunasekera had this to say. “The talent of our young people is clear to see and all it takes to unleash this talent is a little encouragement. Sport can overcome personal, social and mental barriers and promote discipline and strength of character. The crucial step for us now is to build life skills of young people who already give so much of their lives to their passion for sport. In this way sport can uplift rural youth to create strong leaders for tomorrow”.

“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to
excel are the things that endure.
These qualities are so much more important
than the events that occur.”
– Vince Lombardi

2009.02.23