Swimming through obstacles
By Marisa de Silva
Come Poppy Day, everyone makes a special effort to 'give to those who gave' but how often do we spare a thought to the everyday survival of those who gave, and lived to see another day. K.V. Chaminda Priyadarshana (29) is one such brave young man who has not only learned to successfully live with his handicap but has triumphed over it.
Priyadarshana was recently placed 4th overall in the Sri Lanka Navy Inaugural Open 2 km Sea Swim on June 21. He also won the award for 'Best Disabled Swimmer' at the competition organized by the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Board and the Eastern Naval Command held at Sandy Bay, Trincomalee. The amazing fact is that Priyadarshana is an amputee who has lost his leg from knee downwards.
Priyadarshana joined the army 11 years ago as a lad of 18 from Embilipitiya with hopes and dreams of serving his country loyally, like any other boy his age. However, a year down the road, the young private stepped on a 'Johnny' mine and had to have his leg amputated.
Whilst recuperating at the Army Hospital, Colombo, he and many of his comrades who had suffered the same or similar fates were approached by Mrs. Tara Bolling, a veteran swimming coach and star swimmer in her day and encouraged to take up swimming. Many of them, including Priyadarshana accepted her offer and began training under her guidance.
It started off as a recreational activity. But before long, due to his success in competitive meets, he soon progressed to the national and eventually international levels.
Being selected for the SAF pool in '96, getting placed within the first three (his main event is the back stroke and sometimes free style) each year at the national swimming meet and being elected Best Swimmer '99 of all three Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force), are some of the highlights of his very successful swimming career.
He took part in the 'Para-Olympics' in 2000, where he was placed 5th in his event, and in the Pacific Games last year, where he bagged three Golds.
Captaining the Army Swimming Team, which comprises around 30 of the Army's best swimmers (both able and disabled) is another 'feather in his cap'. Due to his contribution to the Army in the field of sport, he was promoted from a Private to Sergeant.
Having taken part in both the annual 2-mile sea swims both in Mount Lavinia and Ambalangoda each year, the Trincomalee swim wasn't much different except for its location, he said. Priyadarshana even acts as coach when necessary and helps train newcomers.
What happens most of the time when someone (not necessarily a soldier) becomes disabled, is that he's left with too much time on his hands, which leads to him wallowing in self pity, says Priyadarshana. This is when depression and frustration sets in. That's why it's vital that both society and especially the loved ones of those who are disabled, should encourage and motivate them to 'get up and go' rather than to give up and think 'all is lost,' he says.
Married just over a month ago, Priyadarshana has an admirable zest for life. This courageous young man believes that there need not be an incapacitating difference between disabled and able people, and that it's a matter of striving to achieve your goals. He lives by his personal motto, which is to be the best he can be in whatever he chooses to do.
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