Funday Times

Funday Times Fun Fest in Kandy
By Kenneth Hulugalla
It was an exciting event held in Kandy last year on October 29 and 30, for the Funday Times young readers in Kandy. I had the opportunity of participating in this great event as one of the contestants. There were several competitions such as Art Collage, Recitation pertaining to several age groups, Best Speaker as well as a Quiz. Only the best got the chance from the schools and we were very enthusiastic of the coming event.
The competitions were held during the weekend and on the first day I went there with my mother. There were more than 100 contestants at Hillwood College and my heart was beating fast. My mother told me that I should not be discouraged and should do my best, and what is most important is not winning but taking part.

A pleasant young lady admitted us and noted our names. While waiting for my turn, I had time to chat with the other children. I spoke to Hasini who took part in the Year Five Recitation from Hillwood College, who said, "Normally, Kandy is an isolated place where no activities for children are conducted and we should be glad that Funday Times thought of us", to which I agree. Other than for those organised by the British Council, children's activities there are very limited in Kandy. Even the schools do not conduct collective activities often. And to think of this large festival, with no cost at all from the children!!! I also spoke with Sanchith from Trinity College, who said, "It is fantastic, we meet here, have fun and get to know each other", which I agree totally.

I overheard a remark from a parent speaking to my mother saying, "The efforts of Funday Times should be appreciated because most of our children do not get opportunities to get together. Also, they are motivated in their extra-curricular activities by participating in such events". I think all the parents are of such views.

Then the year four children were summoned. I joined the queue with my mother's wishes. I heard her words echoing in my mind, at the same time I was determined to win a place. I did my best reciting my favourite poem about books. We were instructed to check the results on the notice boards by 12 noon. Until then my sister and I went to the children's festival where lots of interesting events and games were prepared. We got our faces painted, took part in musical chairs, danced and had a lot of fun.
At noon the results were displayed and I had come second in the Year Four Recitation competition. There were no words to express my happiness. My family members were also very happy. The prize winners were advised to come for the prize giving on Sunday at 3.30 p.m.

The next day, proudly dressed in my school uniform, I was seated in the Hillwood College main hall with my family. An artiste performed an interesting magic show. He did surprising tricks. I was also asked to help him in one event and he handed over handkerchiefs to us. I felt the trick but I do not want to reveal it at this stage because he trusted me by asking me to help him in the performance. It was fun.

Then the big event started. The guests of honour arrived punctually. The Chief Guest, Mrs. Kamala Wijeratne, the well-known author and poet addressed us. Children received their prizes happily. I was greatly overjoyed when my name was announced. I received the prize from the Head of the British Council, Kandy, Mr. Nick Kendall. It was an unforgettable day in my life.

Concluding the event, a big Funday Times birthday cake arrived and we sang "Happy Birthday dear Funday Times" as it was cut. Everybody got a piece of cake and we enjoyed the evening.

I must express my gratitude for my favourite newspaper 'Funday Times' for organizing this event in Kandy. I also must not forget the kind ladies from the Funday Times' who organized the event, directing us patiently to the relevant places and giving useful instructions. Last but not least, I congratulate all the prize winners as well as participants of the Fun Fest and look forward to such activities organized in the future too. "Happy Birthday Funday Times and may your journey be a long lasting one.”

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