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Sports

Isipathana Intl. rugby Sevens
By Bernie Wijesekera
The second annual Isipathana Schools International rugby 'sevens' started in 2002, has come to stay. Thanks to the principal sponsor Singer Sri Lanka and the official national carrier SriLankan Airlines. They have given the assurance to continue with their unstinted support.

This were revealed at a media briefing held on June 16, chaired by Isipathana Principal, Punyadasa Kuruppu. Singer Sri Lanka has been promoting sports in many fields. But they have focussed and made inroads to help develop rugby among the youth in the districts said, Asitha Abeysekera, Marketing Director Singer. They were happy to join the 'Patana' scrum because they have a vision to promote the game not in the school itself, but for the future of the sport to reach higher levels. With a dedicated committee, who works hard and has made the International schools 7's to become a reality.

The I.R.B. should have taken notice of their total commitment and in the years to come it could be on par with Hong Kong 7's. Singers will give all encouragement in their endeavour to promote rugby islandwide.

To televise
Abeysekera said, this year they have decided to televise five school games with a view to give an opportunity even for the school children from North and East to watch the games and take to the scrum. Singer headed by Hemaka Amarasuriya, will give all support to deserving schools at grassroots level with men and material. The 'package' with Patana 7's will continue for many more years.

Mrs. Hycinth Silva, Corporate Communication Executive SriLankan Airlines said that they have the awareness to develop sports in many fields. The National Carrier, will include the 'Patana' 7's in their yearly sports calendar.

The Isipathana 7's has pushed schools rugby to reach higher levels. SriLankan Airlines, will fly with them for many more years said Mrs. Silva. In the year 2002 there were 8 teams from overseas drawn from 5 countries but this year 10 overseas teams have confirmed todate.

The following have confirmed - U.K. Haberdasher's Aske's boys school, Thanet Wanderera, Sky Runners, Hab's - London, Sutton & Epson RFC, Australia - Mentone Grammer, Fiji - Nawaka Dist. School, India - Tamil Nadu RFU, Thailand - Roi-Et school, Qatar - Doha Rugby Football Centre. (waiting confirmation from Russia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore)

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