Seenigama Sports Reaches out to the Region

Last month Seenigama Sports hosted its very first Regional Volleyball Competition. Sports clubs from across the Galle District were invited to take part in this debut event which we held at Seenigama School on 28th October. This was the first time that teams stretching as far north as Bentota and south as Talpe had come to Seenigama to compete. Despite monsoon showers, the day was hailed as a great success with 20 teams participating and many spectators on the sidelines. The Foundation of Goodness thanks our generous sponsors Laureus Sport for Good Foundation whose funding made this event possible - it has allowed us to reach many more young people in the southern district of Sri Lanka, helping them to develop through sport.

Commentators; Referees; Seenigama boys helping

The success of the day is all thanks to the excellent organisation and hard work of Asanka, Thushara, Suranga and all their helpers. They endured rain-drenched late nights and early mornings to get everything ready for the big day. It was a very professionally run day with flood-lit volleyball courts, a sound system, ongoing commentary, refreshments for participants, plus great trophies and prizes. We were also honoured to have 7 referees from Sri Lanka’s National Referee Association to ref all the matches. They worked tirelessly from 11am to 10.30pm starting in hot sun and finishing in torrential rain - we are incredibly grateful for their dedication to our competition.

Lighting Oil Lamp; Ariel view of competition; Raising Flags

The day began with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, the raising of flags by Kushil and the Principal of Seenigama School, and all the teams singing Sri Lanka’s national anthem before play commenced. We had 12 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams participating – an excellent turn out from across Galle District. The number of women’s teams was particularly impressive and the women’s final was probably the highlight of the day - Thotagamuwa v Werellana which went on for 2 hours and drew a huge crowd. The men’s final was at 9.00 at night – Kalupe v Gurusinghagoda, sadly competing after a heavy down-pour of rain but the play was excellent nonetheless.

Many young people from the village were involved making it a good day out for Seenigama youth, and they all took their roles very seriously. Some were helping the referees by marking the score sheets, others were rescuing the balls as they went over the roof or into the adjacent sports ground, they were also getting refreshments for the players, doing errands for the referees and organisers, or just watching and enjoying a great competition. We had many spectators coming and going throughout the day filling the car park with bikes and tuktuks, and lining the courts with colourful umbrellas.

Sport once gain has proved an excellent way for the young people to get out and enjoy themselves, meet others from across Galle District and play competitively in their favourite sport. We are also very proud that not only were our local teams represented in the finals, they won the competitions. The success of the regional volleyball competition has led us to plan a regional Beach Football competition and regional Sea Swimming competition in December. We will also hold more Galle District Volleyball tournaments next year.

Expanding Seenigama Sports across the region is something we will continue to promote as it makes a big difference to young people in the area and allows Seenigama youth to play against new teams, keeping the game more alive for them. We again offer our immense gratitude to Laureus Sport for making this a reality for us through their ongoing support.

Winning teams: Thotagamuwa Open Women’s; Kalupe Open Men’s