Scrabble League starts zonal tournaments
Partcipants at the workshop
The Sri Lanka Scrabble League in a series of new initiatives for 2017 launched the year with a successful workshop for emerging players. This follows an unprecedented interest in the game following the success of the Sri Lanka Under 18 national youth team who were successive world champions in 2015 and 2016 at the championships conducted by the World English language Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), the international governing body for the sport. Many Sri Lankan players have also consistently performed well at international tournaments.
The one-day workshop conducted by expert trainers from the League including 11 times national champion Lakshan Wanniarachchi, attracted over 50 aspiring youth players, including from Kandy, Ambalangoda and Galle. Sessions included use of software tools to improve word power, strategy and skills to improve one’s game and the use of clocks. Future programmes are being planned, given the interest shown by young players from all over the island, with the next one scheduled for March 4.
The League plans to conduct its inaugural zonal tournament with a tournament for under 13s and under 20s in Galle on February 25, aimed at attracting players from the Southern Province. The second leg will target players from the Central and North Western Provinces, whilst the third leg and finals will be played in Colombo with the participation of players selected for the World Championship and World Youth Championships. Details of the League’s activities are available on its website www.scrabble.lk
Kandhan Mahendran was elected President uncontested for a third term and Lakshan Wanniarachchi was elected Vice President at the League’s recent Annual General Meeting.