ANC, in yet another unique endeavour entered into an agreement with the Gymkhana Sports Club for its students to utilize the sports and recreational facilites at the club. The ANC-Gymkhana Sports Club agreement was finalized on October 26.

L-R Mr Shane Doollawe -Chairman Gymkhana, Mr Shiran Anthony-Vice Chairman Gymkhana and Ms Aruni Mahipala- AGM-HR_Internal MArge

ANC's move to tie up with the Gymkhana Club is the first of its kind to take place among the country's private higher education institutes. The space constraints faced by city campuses located in the heart of Colombo like ANC has caused the lack of proper recreation facilities to offer its students. It is this reason that prompted ANC to join the Gymkhana Club to offer its students the necessary recreational facilities and offer a true university experience to the ANC students.

"The decision to get Corporate membership at the Gymkhana Club was made by the ANC management in order to encourage its students to participate in extra curricular activities whilst being engaged in their education," stated AGM HR and Internal Marketing, Ms Aruni Mahipala. She also pointed out that Gymkhana was ANC's choice since it was well reputed whilst having very good sport facilities including a state-of-the-art gym and located within close proximity to the College.

Ms Mahipala stated, "This partnership would not have been possible if not for the assistance and cooperation provided by Mr. Shiran Anthony Vice Chairman, Gymkhana who worked out a great package for ANC after understanding the importance of what the College was trying to achieve for its 800 odd students."

Sport and recreational activities play a key role in building a balanced student. An active sports and extra curricluar life while excelling in one's education gives character to any young adult. The support and emphasis placed by the ANC management on promoting sports among its students has resulted in the formation of a winning rugby team at the College and it hopes to improve cricket, basketball and other sports too..

The latest tie up with the Gymkhana Club would undoubtedly help ANC students achieve their full potential in sports after leaving high school. ANC's move to gain membership for its students at the Gymkhana Club would also give a sense of confidence to parents, as their children would be patronizing a reputed sports facility which is situated within close proximity of ANC.

Commencing October 26, ANC would have a dedicated ground, pool and other sports facilities to identify with. Established by the British during the colonial period, the Gymkhana Club is regarded as the oldest sports and social club in Sri Lanka. It is also the only club in the country where five sports are being played at the premier level, namely; Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Tennis and Squash. The club also has a rooftop swimming pool and a state-of-the-art gymnasium.

Commenting on ANC's latest move to help improve students' recreational activities, ANC Students' Council President, Orlando Gunesekere said the ability to utilize sports facilities at the Gymkhana Club is a great opportunity for ANC students to hone their sports skills.

He said the College teams could easily carry out their practice sessions at Gymkhana from now on. "This would help the many sports teams, especially the ANC rugby team that has excelled in the game. The ability to utilize the sports facilities at Gymkhana would be greatly helpful during the ANC sports festival, when students need to practice for it," Gunesekere said.

He explained that the ANC Students' Council would play the role of encouraging students to participate more in recreational activities and utilize the facilities of the Gymkhana Club, which the ANC is offering to its students. ANC Education is a No 1 tertiary education provider in Sri Lanka, offering accredited courses and facilitating an easy transfer to American, British, Australian, Malaysian and Canadian universities.

The state-of-the-art campus in Colombo is a reflection of ANC's international outlook, and successfully mirrors the academic environment and social culture of a top tier university campus in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or Malaysia. ANC offers students the ability to design their own programmes.

Students at ANC have the option of reading a degree in Engineering, Business IT, Arts or Health Science along with the option of specializing in fields such as Robotics and Aeronautics, and Bio-Technology or even opt for a combination of the above and graduate with a Double Degree.