Gymnastic Anna Marie supports karatekas of Presidents Model School
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Anna Marie Ondaatje, (standing 2nd left) meeting up with the Presidents Model School karatekas
Anna Marie Ondaatje, the Canadian born Sri Lankan, who represented both countries at international gymnastics events, notably Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, made a worthy contribution to the island nation besides her sporting accolades. Anna Marie, 18, donated 16 karate mats to Presidents Model Primary School in Kandy with the intention of supporting the school’s cause in producing athletes to the national level.
The contribution was made through the ‘Quint Ondaatje Foundation’, in which Anna Marie is the goodwill ambassador and her father, Alistair Ondaatje, is the president. Through the foundation, Anna Marie hopes to nurture Sri Lankan athletes, who are in great need of support from the rural areas.
The delegation with the school staff - Pix courtesy Quint Ondaatje Foundation
In addition to the donation of 16 karate mats, the Quint Ondaatje Foundation also made a financial contribution to the students of Presidents Model Primary School. Anna Marie graced the occasion as the chief guest with Dinusha Perera – the captain of Sri Lanka karate team, Kandy Zonal Educational Officer – H.G.K. Rajapaksha, officials of Quint Ondaatje Foundation — Tharindu Rajapaksha and Namali Tharangani also making their presence.
The students and officials of President Model Primary School, Kandy had organised a simple occasion to welcome Anna Marie and other officials. Anna Marie has represented Sri Lanka in rhythmic gymnastics at the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship 2017, Commonwealth Games 2018 and Asian Games 2018.
Anna Marie presents the karate mats to the principal