'Better today than yesterday' - Hurdler Ashok

By Udena R. Attygalle

(" Hurdlers are sprinters with a problem.They are not satisfied just to sprint Anyone can sprint, not everybody can hurdle. There is an extra dimension involved.)" - Penny Moyer

Ashok Kumara Jayasundera is a sprinter with a big problem. He is the Sri Lankan record holder in the 400 metre hurdles.

A full lap of hurdling is not just an extra dimension added to the sprint, many claim it is the toughest event in track. A sprint from start to finish with ten 3 feet barriers in-between is an event only a few are ever tempted to make their own.

Yet that is not all Ashok does. He won the much shorter, yet as unforgiving 110 metre hurdle event as well at the recently concluded athletic nationals. An event requiring a near-perfect technique and the speed of a 100m runner, Ashok carries over these qualities to augment his performance at the longer event.

It was only three years ago that a young lanky lad from Polgolla, with crude technique won the 400m hurdles event at the Sri Sumangala Sports Meet in Kandy. His time was an unimpressive 68 secs.

Two weeks ago his performance was on a higher plane altogether. He had cut down almost 18 secs. off his first run at this event.

So what was the wand behind the magic?

Ashok's hurdling biography started with just four hurdles to practise with. In his first few races the last 200m were unknown territory, the lack of hurdles meant he could not enact the complete race beforehand. The bouncy synthetic track too was hard to get used to, plus weights training was unheard of," he lamented.

All this prompted this promising athlete to look for better facilities. Enlisting in the army volunteer corps and moving to Colombo was the decision he made.

It was here that he started training with soldier Harijan Ratnayake, the champion he dethroned at the nationals.

Now training two sessions a day, pumping iron in the gym, and being provided with a better diet, Ashok started work on his dream. But the winning performance at the nationals took even Ashok by surprise. He never hoped to beat his training partner or break the record, his objective was to better his timing. Ashok's long term goal is to win the gold at the Asian Games in 2002. That's about the only plan for winning Ashok spoke of. The rest was all about improving on timing. "We need to improve on our timing regularly to stay in this game" said a determined Ashok. Yet time itself doesn't seem to disturb him. "I have more than two years to achieve my goal" he said.

Ashok's game plan is simple, do a 90 per cent run the first 250 metres, maintain it the next 50 metres and make an all-out dash the final 100 metres.

The 110 is just something he does only at the meet, no training involved! In fact he might not take part at this event at the SAF Games in September.

Before that he will be leaving on the17th for Seville in Spain to take part in the IAAF World Championships.

This 21-year-old 5-foot-10 hurdler has now left the Army. He may not have 122 consecutive wins behind like the great Edwin Moses but he has the same cold determination to be better today than yesterday. That ought to take him a long way on the road to his goal.

400m hurdles statistics
SAF record 50.14 secs
Asian record 49.13 secs
World record 46.78 secs
Ashok's statistics
1996 55.5 secs
1997 53.2 secs
1998 51.2 secs
1999 ( till now ) 50.17 secs
2000 ( target ) below 50 secs.

Bold decisions by the selectors

Around this time last year the Sri Lankan team was in England to play in a Triangular Series, with South Africa and the home team as the opponents. This was followed by a single test match against England. It was to be a triumphant few weeks for the Sri Lankans. They swept the board winning the one day series and against all odds the Test match too. They made heroic efforts and hardly anyone would have expected them to fall from grace within twelve months. The combined batting success of Arjuna Ranatunge and Aravinda de Silva has been phenomenal. The runs they have scored have so often been the backbone of the team's success. They are world class players who have excelled against bowling attacks from all parts of the world. Now the National selectors have decided its time to find replacements for these two great players in the one day format. Two other honest longstanding servers of the Sri Lankan side Roshan Mahanama and Hashan Tillekaratne are completely out of the reckoning. These together with Sanath Jayasuriya, Asanga Gurusinghe and Romesh Kaluwitharane were the batting heroes during the country's glorious days. In the overall selection of the two squads for the forthcoming one day Triangular and the series against the Australians, the selectors have made bold changes. The initial reaction leaves one somewhat stunned. Many have been bitterly disappointed and perhaps angry at the team's poor performance in the World Cup. Heads must roll" was the common thinking. Now it has happened. Roshan Mahanama has decided to bow out of the game. His cricketing deeds will be remembered for a very very long time. Arjuna and Aravinda will no doubt battle on with the Test matches. Tillekeratne will have to think hard about his future. Ranatunga and De Silva are still capable of performing well at the highest level. What will be difficult will be the adjustment from being in charge to come down to the rank of ordinary player. Then, every performance being scrutinized will be an added pressure. Would they be able to overcome all that and perform? Whilst that question will be answered in a few weeks' time, the question that may never be answered is did the selectors make the correct decisions. Performance alone is not the yardstick to judge at this moment of time. Neither is winning and losing. The selectors need to put together a team comprising of a balance in experience and the not so experienced. They feel it is time to have two lots to play in the shorter version and the longer version of the game. That is an accepted way of thinking these days. It helps to extend the careers of some of the older players and gradually ease in the younger and newer players. In the one-dayers a big responsibility is now placed on Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardena. They are now the senior men. They will have to shield and work together with the newly selected to build a fresh batting line up. It is here that the value of one of the disposed of experienced men could be missed. One thing is for sure there will be many who will now be keen to make use of the opportunity to secure a regular place in the national side. Definitely at least two batsmen have the chance to establish themselves in the side over the next two months. Other than for a couple of changes the bowling remains largely the same. They have been shuffled around into the two teams. Muttiah Muralitharan who is currently in great form and Chaminda Vass will once again be the key players. The selectors are obviously looking for left arm spinners and right arm leg spinners to bowl in tandem with Muralitharan. Here again the opportunity awaits. Two or three bowlers of any variety have the chance to break in and consolidate. The Cricket coming up is eagerly awaited by all Sri Lankan fans. How will the team fare under a new management, a new leadership and a contingent consisting of a number of new players? They come up against India and Australia who are relatively unchanged. It will certainly be a tough contest. The home team will definitely get off the blocks as the underdogs. The pendulum has swung since the last World Cup. Systematic team building is what is required over the forthcoming twelve months.

Singer joins Sevens scrum

By Bernie Wijesekera

Singer (Sri Lanka), who are in the forefront in the development of sport at national or international level has created another first where they are the main sponsors for the first Asian Rugby 'Sevens' tournament to mark Kandy S.C.'s 125th aniversary to be staged at Bogambara on September 4 and 5.

This was revealed at a media briefing by its sport-loving Chairman, Hemaka Amerasuriya, held at Hotel Lanka Oberoi.

The meeting was chaired by Malik Samarawickrema, the Trustee of KSC, in association with Dr. Sarath Kapuwatte Snr., Vice-president, Isfahan Omar (Tournament Director), Tuan Dole Secretary Rugby Union, Iqbal Hassan, Gamini Abeysuriya (Marketing Director), Neville Peiris (FinanceDirector), Arjun Dharmadasa Director (Connaissance Ceylon Group), Chandra de Silva, Director (SriLankan Airlines) and Kumar Abeywardena.

Amerasuriya said that his firm was privilieged to be associated with the holding of this prestigious 'Sevens' - the first of its kind among the Asian countries, which is modelled on the lines of the H. K. 'Sevens'.

This tournament will also serve to promote the national carrier - SriLankan Airlines, who will handle the travelling of the participants to and fro.

Hemaka, a man of few words made meaningful comments. 'Sponsors are regarded as sponsors of convenience'. It's not so. Sponsors, are playing a decisive role for the development of the various disciplines where the Lankan sportsmen have matched their skills at international level. In turn it has done proud to the country and for themselves.

He further stressed that be it team or individual, it's more professional unlike in the past. Further, today most of the sportsmen come from the provinces and most of the talented youth hail from less affluent homes. They need all encouragement and support to go places. Even this attributes to rugby, too, he added.

Finally, Amerasuriya said that this event will be an annual contest in Asia's sports calendar and wished the organisers the very best. The Singer Sri Lankan Rugby 'Sevens' will be a one to remember, in the chersihed history of Kandy S.C. sports.

Malik Samarawickrema, who made the initial speech on behalf of the President and members of Kandy S.C, thanked the sponsors, the media, print and electronic media for making their presence. Undoubtedly it's a source of encouragement for the Hill Capital Club, who will be celebrating their 125th anniversary.

Samarawickrema, speaking in a lighter vein said, he asked his amiable President Chandra Wijenaiake, how we should celebrate the occcasion? Firstly, "make sure the team wins the trophies". Priyantha Ekanayake (coach) and the team led by Haris Omar has already won the 'sevens', the League and are aiming at winning the Clifford Cup to make it a clean sweep.

"Well, trophies are secondary. Let's play the game in the correct spirit and let the crowds enjoy it", Malik nodded.

The entire rugby fraternity will be thankful for Singer (Sri Lanka) who has agreed to be the title sponsor.

The associate sponsors - SriLankan Airlines are bringing in the teams and officials at a heavily discounted fare. While Connaissance Ceylon, are giving free accommodation at Le Kandyan Hotel and meals at discounted rate.

It's a magnanimous gesture by them to make it a reality. Further, there are other sponsors, too many to mention individally. On behalf of KSC, I say a 'Big Thank You' for all of them.

Like music, sports, too has no barriers, sans race or colour. Kandy S. C. should be commended for organising this Asian Tournament. It has been given recognition by the world body; and all support and encouragement by the controlling body - the Rugby Union headed by Anton Benedict. This is yet another new milestone in the annals of Lankan rugby - thanks to the brainchild of kandy S.C.

The draw - Group 'A Japan, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia. Group 'B' - S. Korea, Hong Kong, S'pore, China, India.

Rugby should spread to the provinces

Today, unlike in the past, rugby has lost its glamour. We should strive to get back the crowds by putting it on track, said the president of the Western Province RFU, Iqball Hassan, at a press briefing held at the CR and FC, recently.

Burly Hassan, a former rugby stalwart, who played for Royal and CH and FC made these comments to finalise the inaugural under-21 and the under-24 tournaments which will be staged in Sept. and Oct. '99. Hassan said for any sport to develop it needs the media co-ordination. He called upon the media to help achieve its objective.

Unlike in the past more schools have taken to the scrum. But where are the playing opportunities for them to be in continuity after they leave school. It's not going to help develop their skills, if they are confined to sit on the bench, while others are playing, when they are eligible to play.

Q - Where are the clubs. There should be more clubs and its wings spread to the provinces?

A - I agree. This is one reason why the WPRFU has organised an U- 21 league tournament. Even schools are eligble to take part by fielding combined teams. The Old Boys' Clubs, too could make it. There are no restrictions.

This will give an opportunity to the selection panel to spot talent and form a development squad for the future, he nodded. This will also serve youngsters to be in continuity.

Just confining the game to a solitary club in the Hill Capital and for a few clubs in the metropolis is not going to serve the game and the country. The under-21 tournament is open island-wide.

Q - Are you aware that the All Blacks coach of the Army, Kelvin Farrington said that it is sad to note that there are hardly any playing opportunities for the schoolboys despite having a lot of talent. He even suggested that the universities should field a combned XV?

A - His analysis is correct. The panacea to its ills more clubs should be encouraged and assisted. We are seriously looking into this aspect.

It's sad to note and agree that there is no rugby in Wayamba and the youngsters have no playing opportunities. Further, a club like Petersons had to pull down its shutters for reasons best known to themselves.

The under-24 tournament for more seasoned players in the clubs, though it's being organised by the WPRFU, but its open for all, Hassan said.

Q - Where are the grounds to practise. Don't you think that the SLRFU and the WPRFU should make a joint venture to find a headquarters and a playing of its own for the emerging clubs to train. Othewse like having horses without a course to run? I totally agree with you. This is a must. We are making avenues to this effect.

The Minister of Sports, S. B. Dissanayake has promised to make it a reality. This is a crying need. Minister Dissanayake, who is doing much to develop sports has given a hearing and before long it will become a reality. Incidentally Hassan is also the Secretary of the Rugby Union.

The others who attended the confab were; Fazal Mohamed (Sec), Wimal Senanayake (Treasurer) and Rizly Illyas (Chairman, Tournament and Sponsorship Committee).

- B.W.

Brian Close deputised for Parks

Contd. From last week...

By Bruce Maurice

Sharpe's 63 after two hours then ended, when he was caught off a flier from Griffith in the slips. Trueman, emboldened by the feeling of having made 15 runs, dared to hit Griffith for four then had his off stump smashed back with the next delivery. Lock was confronted by a brute of a ball. It reared up and hit him on the forearm. The bat fell out of his hands and struck the wicket and though he did not move when Buller raised his finger, he was out, hit-wicket, all the same. The end came without a further run added, when Hall deftly rearranged Statham's stumps into a design that could have been only described by a surrealist.

The next day (Friday) the gates were locked 25 minutes after play started with the Oval bursting at its seams. The Oval, though having a very satisfactory public address system for demanding the removal of cars, did not think it necessary to explain to the crowd, why Brian Close was coming out in full regalia as England's wicket keeper. Had Parks died in the night? Had he been arrested in connection with the Great Train Robbery? Or, had he also got involved in the Christine Keeler scandal that rocked the British Government? For all that the Oval authorities cared any of them could have been true. But the fact was that the previous evening, Parks had been hit, a painful blow on the foot by Griffith and was taken to hospital to make sure that no bones were broken. However, he returned after lunch to take his place behind the stumps. Opening with Hunte, the well built Rodriguez seemed determined that his new role as opener should not cramp his style. He squared out Statham's second ball for four and would have glanced the next one to the boundary, if not for a brilliant diving stop by Lock. This should have been a warning to Rodriguez, but he refused to heed it. In Statham's next over, he did it again. But this time it was an inch off the ground and Lock reacting like a bolt of lightning, kicked it off his toe cap with a roaring appeal. Statham had celebrated his return with a wicket from his ninth delivery. The West Indies 10 for 1. He bowled for 75 minutes before he was given a rest. And in that time he had Hunte in heaps of trouble. Meanwhile in those 75 minutes, Trueman and Shackleton had shared the attack from the Vauxhall End. Hunte and Kanhai brought up the 50 and Trueman returned for his second spell. It was to bowl to a field that Dexter has scattered out into defensive positions. He had only one slip and a gully in a catching position and when he tried to bump one at Kanhai, it was curtly hooked for four. England now seemed well set for another leather hunt that they had got in the previous Test at Leeds, when Kanhai all of a sudden had a rush of blood. He swept Lock for four and then just managed to clear Shackleton at extra cover. The next ball he tried to hit out of the ground. Instead he played a shade too early and was bowled. This had a profound effect on Hunte and the next batsman. Because the next phase of the match, matched the dull bleak day. It was cricket played to the slow beat of a metronome rather than the calypso. Butcher took 19 minutes to score his first run and two and a half hours to get his 50. Hunte took three and a half hours to score 80, before he was caught behind by Parks off Shackleton.

Now came an incident that looked like a reconstruction of that marvellous moment. when Lock caught and bowled Sobers with that blinding catch. Lock bowled and Sobers hit it like a tracer bullet of the back foot. This time it wasn't a catch. But it still got England a priceless stand breaking wicket. The ball ricochets off Lock's hand and crashes into the stumps at the non-strikers end. Amid a rising roar of realization Butcher turned and walked off. Run out by inches in a moment that almost amounted to fratricide. Fourteen minutes later Sobers was also gone. Solomon, cut Lock backward of point and set off for what looked like an easy single. Close took five huge strides, swooped hawk like on it and hurled it in, all in one superb movement. He had only a single stump to aim at, if that is the correct word to use to a man flinging in a ball while spinning around in mid air. The only hope for a run out was a direct hit, and that is exactly what happened. Sobers was still coming home when the wicket disintegrated in front of him. From 185 for 3, the West Indies had plunged to 198 for 5. The crowd was alive again and a new ball round the corner.

This then, was the position as Frank Martina Mortimer Worrell came through the tall pavilion doors to an ovation that followed him every inch of the way to the wicket. No one was certain he could bat a second time in this Test. So they were not leaving anything to chance. If this was to be the last time that he would walk out to bat in a Test, then he would now hear the regard and affection they had for him. The whole crowd rose to applaud him. England's fielders joined in and Dexter shook him warmly by the hand. It was certainly an emotional moment. And what Worrell must certainly have had was a tear in the eye or a lump in his throat. He put the 200 up with a single and then drove Trueman for a boundary. But after making only 9 runs he got one from Statham that whipped back and hit off stump. The tail now caved in and the West Indies were all out for 246, giving England a bonus of 26 runs, and the Test now evenly poised.

Briefly

OBA's in UK donate colposcope The Old Boys Association of Sri Lankan Schools in the UK has made arrangements to donate a colposcope to the Cancer Hospital in Maharagama. In this context Dr. Ferhard (Freddie) Jurangpathy, Charity Chairman of the Sri Lankan Schools in UK, organisers of the annual Festival of Cricket in UK, is currently in the island to make the donation. Dr. Jurangpathy has informed Dr. Bernard Randeniya of the Cancer Hospital (Teaching) of the donation and will be presenting it in due course. Funds for the colposcope has been made by Sri Lankans who are members of the Old Boys Association of Sri Lankan Schools in UK. This year the Festival of Cricket took place at Norman Park, Bromley (Kent) where D.S.Senanayake and Nalanda emerged joint champions. The teams which participated in the competition this year were: Ananda, Dharmaraja, D.S.Senanayake, Isipatana, Mahinda, Nalanda, Richmond, Royal, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony's, St. Benedict's, St. Joseph's, St. Peter's, St. Sebastian's, S.Thomas', Trinity, Wesley and Zahira. The event was sponsored by the Ceylinco Group of Companies. Earlier the UK Festival of Cricket had greater participation with even the Jaffna schools joining the fray but since of late Jaffna schools had broken links with the parent body due to the ongoing separatist war in Sri Lanka and are now conducting their own cricket festival in UK. This year the competition was a great success where Deshamanya Lalith Kotelawala, Chairman, Ceylinco Consolidated was the chief guest. At the competition Deshamanya Kotelawala pledged his support for the Festival of Cricket for many more years to come.

- Rangi Akbar

Cpl. Siriwardena is best Corporal Siriwardena of the Gajaba Regiment was chosen as the best player in the Army disabled soliders volleyball championships concluded at the National Youth Services Council Courts at Maharagama. In all five regiments participated in this championships, Sri Lanka Infantry, Gajaba, Sinha, Wijeyaba and Commando. Gajapa Regiment beat Infantry by 3 sets to 1, 23 - 25, 25 - 20, 25 - 16 and 25 - 9. Goonasekera heads Vijaya SC Mahesh Goonasekera was elected President of the Vijaya Sports Club, Borupana, Ratmalana at its annual general meeting. P. Moragoda was elected as vice president together with Nelson Samarasinghe. T. A. G. Fernando was elected the Secretary with P. Abeywickrema as his assistant. The others elected to hold office for the ensuing year are: Treasurer - M. Wilmot Fernando, Assistant Treasurer - Pujitha Gunawardena, Social Secretary - Y. A. K. Warawita, Assistant Social Secretary - Sunil Samarasinghe, Sports Secretary - Umesh Goonasekera, Assistant - Piryath Peramudalige. Committee members: H. B. Weligodapola (JP), Sam Silva, A. N. G. Marasinghe, Sunil Silva, Deepal Abeywickrema, Nihal Pathirana, Palitha Peramudalige, Wimala Dassanayake (JP), Shylane Rodrigo, Y.K. H. de Silva, Stanley Fernando, Christopher Perera, Shimlagh Rosa, Chaminda Silva, Lalith de Silva, Pandula de Silva., Auditor - M. P. Piyatissa. The WPC Minister of Industries, Fisheries, Health and Rehabilitation, Wirantha Fernando was at this function attended by Jeevan Kumaratunga, the Deputy Minister of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs and Sports. Veterans Football Two football tournaments for veterans over 40 years of age will be conducted by the Ex-National Players Veterans Football Association of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the City Football League. The 7 - a - side over-40 football championships will be conducted at the carnival next month followed by the 11 a side over-40 All Island championships in October. Entries for the 7 a side will close on August 31 while the entries will close for the All Island open on September 30th. Entries will close with Gratien Amarasinghe C/o the Secretary City Football League, Haward Pavilion, Slave Island. Thilakasiri wins marathon T. H. Thilikasiri of Dimuth Youth Club, Kahatagasdigiliya won the National Youth Centre marathon held in Anuradhapura. S. Lal Weerasuriya of Sakthi Club Anuradhapura took second place followed by T. H. Priyadharshana of Anuradhapura Youth Club and L. Premalal and Prasanna Kumara also of Anuradhapura. Junior Hockey Nationals The 27th Junior hockey nationals organised by the Uva District Hockey Association on behalf of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation and sponsored by Singer Sri Lanka Limited will be held on September 17, 18 and 19. This competition will be played at the Vincent Dias Stadium at Badulla. The qualifying round will be held today and on August 21. Today's matches: CR & FC vs Vijaya SC at Matale at 3 p.m., Park SC vs Old Anandians at Matale at 4.30 p.m., Pelawatta SC vs CH & FC at Badulla at 4 p.m. August 21: Galle vs Peradeniya University at Galle at 4 p.m., Police vs Youngsters at Peradeniya, BRC vs Army at Maitland Crescent.

Swim champ Williams back after 40 years

By Annesley Ferreira

"If you can't get the best, make the best use of what you have", is the advice Henry Perera, the former President of the National Amateur Aquatic Sports Union got from Tony Williams who is back in Sri Lanka after 40 years.

Williams migrated to UK in 1961 having represented Sri Lanka as the sole swimmer to the Asian Games in Tokyo in 1958 where he finished sixth in both the 100 and 200 metres breast stroke and eighth in the 200 metres breast stroke at the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff the same year.

Tony speaking to "The Sunday Times' in an exclusive interview at the Galle Face Hotel, where he is presently staying whilst on holiday said that he could have done better if he swam in the 100 metres breast stroke which was his pet event but was not included in the events at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Tony finished in 10th place in the Olympics in Rome in 1960 where he gained selection purely on merit under the auspices of the then Ceylon Amateur Swimming Association (CASA) under the Presidency of Royce de Mel, where he swam inside the time set by them, which was the sixth best timing of the previous Olympics.

The World Swimming Champions were then from Japan and the competition was tough with Tony naming Demsmond Templer as the best freestyle swimmer with a lot of guts.

"I came to Sri Lanka to see my friends because my heart is still here. My college-mate and swimmer Henry Perera, who is a thorough gentleman, still maintains a long lasting friendship". Tony has gone around visiting the swimming pools and lavished praise on the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium pool which he says has all the facilities including the diving boards which were lacking at that time.

In lighter vein Tony, when told of the present situation the swimmers are undergoing, showed surprise, stating that during his time he did not have to go with a begging bowl to represent the country as it was only clean suit and empty pocket then.

He stressed that the Bombay-Colombo meet should be revived as it afforded plenty of opportunities.

Talking about nutrition Tony said that during his period of training he and a few others went for a thosai feed at Saraswathi Lodge which they quite enjoyed and also recalled the trouble taken by coach Guy Theideman who brought out the best in them by keeping them supplied with Horlicks tablets at the end of their sessions.

Tony who went on to captain the St. Joseph's swimming team from the under-14 level, showed maturity in leading them to beat S. Thomas' Mount Lavinia who were then the Public Schools champs for 20 years.

St. Joseph's built their own swimming pool to Olympic standards in 1952 and within four years of dedicated training under Guy Theideman, beat the Thomians to the title with determination and courage, Tony recalled.

Only S. Thomas', Colombo Swimming Club and S. Thomas', Gurutalawa had swimming pools then before St. Joseph's joined them.

"I married my childhood sweetheart Magaret Burgess who was a student of St.Bridgets' whom he first met when she was 12 years old. He has two beautiful daughters now: Leila who is an accountant by profession and Lousie, he said.

Finally, Tony said it was due to the moral support of Rev. Father Peter Pillai and coach Guy Theideman that swimming found its due place in the sports arena.

Tony was also a member of Kinross Swimming and Life Saving Club which though it had a poor beginning went on to win the H. N. P. Trophy for five years together with A. Batholomeusz, I. Kelly, S. de Jong, Desmond Templer and Henry Perera.

Vintage Reliability Run

The Hatton National Bank Vintage Reliability Run to Kandy and back will be held over the weekend September 4 and 5 with an overnight stay at Mahaweli Reach Hotel in Kandy.

The rally will commence opposite the Art Gallery at Green Path at 7 a.m.

An entry fee of Rs. 3,000 per vehicle is being levied and the maximum number of vehicles will be restricted to 25 on a 'first come first served' basis. Entries close on August 18 with the Vintage Car Owners' Club (VCOC), at No 5, Manthri Road, Colombo 5. Tel: 589788, 587648. Fax: 502496.

The route to Kandy will be via Ambepussa, Kegalla and Kadugannawa and back to Colombo via Kadugannawa or alternatively via Katugastota, Galagedera and Kurunegala.

A trial run was conducted covering the route on July 24 and 25 in the Standard 9 Coventry A-3334.

All participants have been requested to have their own back-up vehicle and maintenance crew.

The prizes at stake will be a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 on completion of the route to Kandy and a free double room on full board at Mahaweli Reach Hotel on September 4 and 5.

A trophy and certificate will also be awarded besides breakfast for two persons en-route at Ambepussa Rest House.

As this is a unique event of the VCOC, all participants have been requested to ensure that the vehicles are in fit mechanical and electrical condition to endure the terrain.

Dr. D. Atukorale is a Post Graduate qualified family practitioner whose special interests are Sports Medicine, Industrial Medicine, Hospital Administration and Psychology where he has undergone training and holds certificates. He has been attending to rugby injuries for seven years and has been associated with all major sporting events.

Sports Injuries: Part III

Emergency care of the injured

So much for the prevention of injuries, what if an injury occurs? Treat immediately. The first 1 or 2 days after injury - very important.

Why? Because bleeding, swelling, lack of oxygen, delayed healing can cause pain and atrophy of muscles.

Basic treatment: RICEE

R = Rest - if possible stop all movements, because otherwise bleeding and swelling will be more.

I = Ice - must use immediately after injury. If no ice is available use ice water. Must start within 15 minutes and use for 15 minutes.

First two days one can use ice every 2 hours. Third day only use hot fomentation.

Caution - Don't use ice on those with a history of cold urticaria.

How does ice work? It reduces pain, reduces blood supply, reduces swelling, reduces tissue chemical activity and so the injured part will need less Oxygen and nutrients, Muscle spasm and inflammmation also will be less.

C = Compress - with bandage, apply just below the injury. Go up, one bandage layer covering the half of the other and going up to 4 inches above the injury. Continue to use ice over this bandage.

E = Elevation - Use sling for hands: in the case of legs, elevate above the pelvis.

How does it help?

It reduces the blood flow and promotes the return of impure blood and lymph.

E = Exercise the rest of the body.

Don'ts after injuries -

No Aspirin (increases bleeding). No alcohol. No heavy activity. No liniment. No massage.

Heat can be used 48 hours after injury.

What is the use of sprayers and drugs?

They are counter irritants. They substitute skin irritation or cold for pain and effectiveness is short. They never reach deep tissue where the injury is.

What is the use of heat after injury?

It increases oxygen and nutrients to it; promotes movement of impure blood towards the heart. It dulls the nerves. Promotes removal of bad chemicals from the injury.

Two posts for 'DP'

Veteran administrator D.P. Wickremaarachchi has been elected to serve in two posts at the annual general meeting of the Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club held recently.

'D.P.' as he is popularly known was elected as the Secretary and Vice President of the club. Shelly Wickremasinghe was elected to the post of President. The others elected were: President - Shelley Wickremasinghe; Vice Presidents - Danny Liyanasuriya, Terrence Perera, D.P. Wickramaarachchi, Mahinda Wijesinghe, Upali Dharmadasa, Bandula Warnapura; Hony. General Secretary - D.P. Wickramaarachchi.

Return to Sports Contents Page