One victory short of the Championship, nothing short of Courage, Commitment and Character

Last year the Foundation of Goodness Seenigama Sports Academy Regional Schools u15 Cricket Team returned to Sri Lanka as champions, holding high the KAF International Youth Cricket Tournament Cup in their debut international Tour. Back then no one expected these students to perform at such a high level. There was no doubt about the talent and potential. However, the nerves of leaving the country for the first time and playing an international tournament were bound to make anyone under achieve. As we witnessed the contrary became the profound reality. The talent, commitment and the discipline of these students took them all the way to the final and then exceeded all expectations by winning the Tournament.

The pressure was on as they returned to defend the title this year. Last year was a dream run, but this year was an opportunity to further prove their ability and passion for the game. The team showed no signs of pressure as they dominated match after match and went unbeaten for 09 games including the quarter final and the semi final (the match against the Malaysian girls team was abandoned due to rain when FOG was well on its way to win and due to a transport delay, FOG was compelled to give a walk over to the Bangladesh team). These were the only hiccups on the way to another dream final. How do these students from less privileged communities, further deprived by the tsunami consistently maintain the prowess of champions. I believe that has much to do with the investment, care, training and love bestowed on them from the committed staff of the Foundation of Goodness, volunteers and our beloved donors & well wishes.

The highest investment should not be limited to the urban youth of Sri Lanka. All students of this country deserve the very best. This is a foundational belief of the Foundation of Goodness Founder Trustee – Mr. Kushil Gunesekara who’s vision to give these students nothing but the best has very clearly trickled down to the entire staff at FoG and affirmed and supported by our donors. These students were provided with every resource necessary, with nothing withheld. This commitment to give them the very best and unconditional love has come back in return with performances of excellence and the immergence of champions.

The generosity of our main sponsor Mr. David Cruse, who for the second year running left no stone unturned to make this trip a reality and co-sponsors Mr. Ajith Dias and the Helping Hands Youth Group of Minnesota USA made it possible to provide these students the very best. Their graciousness coupled with the ability and commitment of the coaching staff of Seenigama Cricket Academy once again proved to be an awesome combination that brought great results. Special mention must be made of the Head Coach Anjula Mendis, Cricket Co-ordinator Amal De Silva, Assistant Coach Gayan Harshapriya, Foundation of Goodness Representative Sampath Viraj and Tour Manager Ms. Fazana Ibrahim. They all worked tirelessly before and during the tour which contributed towards the overall success. Mr. Anura De Silva, FoG Director of Sports, former Ananda College cricketer, former Manager of Premadasa International Cricket Stadium and Basnahira North Province Cricket, although indisposed overlooked the entire project with the able assistance of Ms Dilani Weerasuriya the North-East project Manager of FOG, who was entrusted with the task by Founder Trustee Mr Kushil Gunesekera due to the illness of the Director of Sports. Their skills, commitment to excellence were richly rewarded with the solid performance that deserved yet another championship.

Adeesha Thilanchana the captain of the team from Dharmasoka College-Ambalangoda was named man of the series for his excellent performances with both bat and ball throughout the Tour. Udesh Priyanga and Chamindu Kalana both from Madampagama College, also performed brilliantly in every game and came in for high praise from all present. All three players named, toured Malaysia last year as well and were part of the Championship winning Team.

Dhanushka Kumara from Seenigama Sri Wimala Buddhi College won the “Junior Jonty” fielding award presented by the former South African Legend Jonty Rhodes who was the finest fielder in the world during his playing days. These achievements stand as further testament to the talent and brilliance of these poor rural students.

Jonty Rhodes , guest of honor at the tournament addressed the gathering at the grand dinner hosted for him at the Selangor Club, Bukit Kiara. He inspired the young cricketers with the following words - “Freedom to fail is vital in order to succeed”. He mentioned that he had the privilege to prepare tea for his change room attendant who was taken aback and said that it was the first time a celebrity ever invited him for tea. Jonty Rhodes concern for equality and humanity was admired and praised at the Dinner.

We look to the future with an even greater thirst for excellence in sports as in everything else we do at the Foundation of Goodness. FoG is committed to tackling poverty and replacing it with a world view that profoundly states –“ Nothing is impossible “ and with more and more hard work, commitment and dedication the best is yet to come !!

At the end it was a good effort no doubt reaching the finals for the second consecutive year although we were determined to defend the championship status in 2009. What an impressive team we have had in these two years touring Malaysia especially since only four of them remained in the squad that toured in the previous year. We are hopeful that next year too we will give our best shot to regain the championship with the enormous talent displayed by the youngsters attending our academy from different schools in the region.

What a story it has been and all due to the waves of compassion arising out of a tragic setback which has laid a solid platform for village children to excel thanks to the two beautiful venues sponsored by MCC & Surrey which otherwise would have remained only a dream! This is one way in which we bridge the gap between the urban and the rural sector through productive activities for disadvantaged kids to excel.

“Winners don’t do different things but they do things differently”

2010.08.16