Kalmunai to host 2020 Olympic Day Run
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The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) will conduct the 2020 Olympic Day Run in Kalmunai following the successful completion of this year’s event held in Matara.
This year’s Olympic Day Run was held from Polhena Beach to the Uyanwatte Cricket Ground covering a distance of 4km.
Sydney (2000) Olympic Games Silver Medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe was the Chief Guest at the 2019 Olympic Day Run. Over 1,000 schoolchildren representing 17 schools in the area participated in the Olympic Day Run.
Making this year’s endeavour unique, the NOCSL also diverted its focus on environment protection as they launched its Coral Replanting Project in Polhena, Matara. The event commenced with a beach cleaning activity along the Polhena beach area with the participation of several state institution personnel and schoolchildren. In addition, the occasion was also marked with a number of activities such as fun surfing and beach kabaddi.
Furthermore, the organisers also launched an open art competition themed ‘Give the Coral Another Chance’ for the schools in the Matara area, and the winners of this event were presented with certificates and prizes. The event was conducted in collaboration with the National Aquatic Resources and Development Authority (NARA), Sri Lanka Navy, Coast Conservation, Coast Guard, Marine Environment Protection Authority, Ocean Resources Conservation Association (ORCA), Tokyo Cement and the Wildlife Authority.
In addition, hoteliers in the area, Amaloh Hotel and Polhena Reef Hotel also participated in this project. The Matara Municipal Council, Matara District Secretariat, Southern Province Council’s Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry, Southern Province Education Ministry, Sri Lanka Ports Authority and relevant government institutes also supported this project.