ISAC 2024, hosted by Gateway, next weekend
View(s):All arrangements have been made to conduct the 22nd Inter-International Schools’ Athletic Championships 2024 on February 24 and 25 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. This was revealed at the official press conference held at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, by this year’s hosts Gateway College, headed by Dr. Harsha Alles.
The Inter-International Schools’ Athletic Championship (ISAC) is the most important co-curricular event in the school calendar of all international schools. Initiated in 2001, the event has now established itself as the flagship sporting event of the country’s international schools and this will be the 22nd edition of the iconic athletic competition.
The head table of the ISAC 2024 press conference (from left) Vinita Shenoy (Principal, Gateway Colombo), Harshana Perera (Chairman, TISSL), Premila Paulraj (Director, Employability and Qualifications, Pearson South Asia), Ramantha Alles (Chairman, ISAC 2024), Dr. Harsha Alles (Chairman, Gateway Colleges), Rasith Wickramasingha (Group Director, CBL), Hirantha Fernando (Head of Sales and Marketing, Pyramid Wilmar) and Thilaka Jinadasa (Team Leader – Sports Development, Gateway Colleges)
Being Sri Lanka’s biggest and most exciting school sporting event, ISAC is held next weekend at the Sugathadasa Stadium Colombo, from 8.00a.m. to 6.00p.m. on both days, creating a grand platform for over 2,000 athletes representing all The International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL) schools with over 100 events.
This year, the 22 international schools participating are – Asian International School, Belvoir College International, The British School in Colombo, Burhani Serendib School, Colombo International School – Colombo, Colombo International School – Kandy, Elizabeth Moir International School, Gateway College – Colombo, Gateway College – Kandy, Horizon College International, Ilma International Girls School, Leeds International School, Lyceum International School Nugegoda, Lyceum International School Panadura, Lyceum International School Ratnapura, Lyceum International School Wattala, OKI International School, Royal Institute Colombo, St. Nicholas’ International School, Stafford International School, Wycherley International School Colombo and Wycherley International School Gampaha.
Premila Paulraj of Pearson South Asia, handing over the sponsorship to Dr. Harsha Alles
During the past 21 years since its commencement, ISAC has elevated the standard of athletics among TISSL — affiliated international schools to an extent where it produces skilled, professional athletes who represent Sri Lanka at foreign track and field athletic championships. In order to continuously maintain high standards, ISAC 2024 will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of TISSL, and those of the International Amateur Athletic Federation, which will include electronic timing and measurements.
Several esteemed organisations and entities will sponsor the event, including two renowned corporate entities who have come forward to support ISAC 2024. Principal sponsors for the event include Pearson Edexcel, Flinders University and Ritzbury, the chocolate brand of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. Other sponsors that have come aboard are Pyramid Wilmar, VIDA Medical, Sense Rehabilitation and Sports Hospital and the Papare.com.
Rasith Wickramasingha of CBL presenting the Best Athletes awards (Girls and Boys) to athletic captains of Gateway – Sithuli Saparamadu and Inas Iqbal
“ISAC has become an important platform nurturing talented athletes and showcasing junior athletes of international repute. The standard of athletics among international schools has progressively advanced with several athletes reaching national and international levels, contributing to high level competition. TISSL has a collective student force of over 50,000 students who do not rely on tax payers’ money and complete their academic career in private universities and contribute to the country,” Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of Gateway Group, said.
Over 2,000 athletes from 23 international schools will compete in 130 events at the meet, in the categories of Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-19 and Under-20 for both boys and girls.
There will be over 300 officials who will conduct the competition under the rules of the Amateur Athletic Association of Sri Lanka. Over 20,000 spectators including students, parents and staff members of all TISSL schools and cheering squads of participating schools are expected to be present on both days.
The 2023 edition of ISAC was dominated by Lyceum International Schools, who became champions from 14 overall age groups with a tally of 175 points. This year’s hosts Gateway College, gave a close fight only to finish behind them.
Lyceum International School, Wattala conquered ISAC 2023 with a tally of 99 medals, made up of 44 gold, 35 silver and 20 bronze medals. Lyceum International School, Nugegoda, won 35 medals, which include six gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze medals, while Lyceum International School, Panadura, won 27 medals, with nine gold, 10 silver medals and eight bronze.
The ISAC, which commenced in 2001, was the brainchild of the founder of Gateway College, the late R.I.T. Alles. Since then, it has established itself as one of the biggest inter-school sporting events of the island.