Singapore to help construct a velodrome in Sri Lanka
Contrary to reports released in Colombo before the Sri Lanka Cycling team left for the OCBC Cycling Championships in Singapore, The Singapore Cycling Federation will only help to construct a velodrome in Sri Lanka. “We will certainly help to put up a veldrome at a suitable site. “We have no intentions in interfering in the internal affairs of the Sri Lanka Cycling Federation”, stated an official of the OCBC Bank when he greeted the Sri Lanka team on arrival at the Changi Airport on Friday.
The team led by Senaka Ranasinghe Vice President of the Sri Lanka Cycling Federation and consisting of Jeevan Jayasinghe (SLAF), Naveen Ruchira (SLAF), Thushan Rajapaksa (SL Army), Gihan Pushpakumara and Chamika Sandun Kumara ( Friends Cycling Club Kiribathgoda) were warmly welcomed by members of the Singapore Cycling Federation and a member of the OCBC.
Earlier a velodrome was constructed at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports complex costing nearly 70 million Sri Lanka Rupees as it was not up to international standards, it was demolished and a swimming pool was constructed instead. The OCBC Cycling Championships is a unique opportunity for the Sri Lanka cyclists to take part in.
The new OCBC Cycle aims to be a safe premium cycling platform with a series of unique cycling and cycling-related activities, championing cycling as a year-round way of life. Taking place at the newly-minted Singapore Sports Hub, the event will give riders the opportunity to ride triumphantly into the National Stadium. Some cyclists will even get to pedal along the running lanes on the track. OCBC Cycle will culminate in a mass cycling event on a single weekend, when participants will come together to ride safely on closed roads in the heart of the city, starting from – and returning to – a new venue. The new OCBC Cycle is sanctioned by the Singapore Cycling Federation and supported by Sport Singapore.
OCBC Cycle looks to target cyclists across a wide spectrum of cycling proficiencies, such as The Straits Times Ride (23km) and The Sportive Ride (42km) for the adults, to Kids and Family Rides, where our budding riders can cycle for 100m (for 2-5 years old) or as far as they can within 20 minutes (5-9 years old) and 30 minutes (10-12 years old).
OCBC Bank and the organisers will also continue to work with The Business Times on the charity component that has always been integral to Singapore’s cycling fiesta. In 2015, OCBC Cycle and The Business Times will expand that component to include more activities for those who want to give back to society while taking part. Under the rubric of The Business Times Cycle of Hope, participants can sign up for new activities ranging from teaching cycling and bicycle repairs to less advantaged to bringing these children and youth on rides, as well as support fund-raising activities for the Singapore Children’s Society, The Singhealth TRUE Fund, SportCares and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. (eom)