| Sports |
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| Kalana - a swimming
protégé from Polonnaruwa |
| By Natasha Fernandopulle |
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| Kalana and the Polonaruwa swimming team along with the coaching staff. Pix courtesy Justin Packman and Natasha Fernandopulle |
A swimming pool in Colombo is far from a luxury – And learning to swim in one is part of almost any child's normal, everyday routine these days. However, when moving out to the rest of the country, a pool can in fact be a luxury – And learning to swim in one is not part of any child's normal, everyday routine.
In spite of all the obstacles that may arise due to the lack of facilities some of our country’s best swimmers have emerged from these rural areas. And from Polonnaruwa one such swimmer who has emerged in spite of tough conditions is Weeramuni Kalana
Sachinthana Wickramarachchi who is still fourteen years old.
It all started for young Kalana with the sudden realisation that he likes to swim, which was at the age of nine. Kalana would train in the river close by, where two concrete lanes were built in order for him as well as his colleagues to practice. "We started training around three months ago at this pool," said Kalana of the pool that has now been built for them to train in at the sports training facility in Polonnaruwa.
Kalana is a student of Royal Central College and says that swimming aside, he is also involved in athletics. "Balancing my studies with swimming lessons is not tough," he said, adding, "I love to swim and it is not hard to train." He lives close to the pool and practices for two hours a day under the guidance of his watchful coach, Sameera Hunupolagama. Kalana represents the Polonnaruwa Aquatic Sports Club with his favourite swimmer being Michael Phelps. And at the Junior Nationals in 2006, 2007 and 2008 he was placed first and placed third, at the Nationals in 2008. The North Central Province Meets of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 saw him being placed first during all four years.
Kalana has travelled to India where he participated in the India Sri Lanka Triangular Swimming Meet in 2006 where he competed with swimmers from Gujarat and Chennai. At this event he was placed first three times and second place once. "I was not scared and I didn't mind in the least competing with other Indian swimmers," the timid lad said.
He is the eldest in the family followed by two younger brothers and upon meeting him last week; it was clear how concerned and helpful his little brother was. Helping him with his bags and checking up on him. "My family helps me a lot," Kalana said.
When I met up with Kalana it was the day prior to a big swimming meet in Polonnaruwa which was to be held on Saturday February 14, 2009. Kalana along with his colleagues were given coaching tips from Julian Bolling, Director, Rainbow Swimming Academy. "The kids were not used to the big pool and I helped them with their starts and turns," Mr. Bolling said, adding, "My job would be to go as often as possible to work on the basic techniques." He went on to say, "My gut feeling is that they work hard so it's rewarding to work with such a bunch."
"You need to put in a lot of hard work and practice and be focused," says Kalana who knows that with a lot determination, nothing is impossible, including his ultimate goal, that of being able to participate in the
Olympics. |
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