Swimming fledglings from Puttalam Dist. comes of age

Four kids (Under-10) from Kumuduweli Swimming Club came into the limelight at the open age group Medley Relay Championship organised by the Sri Lanka Swimming Federation staged at the Sugathadasa Indoor Complex last weekend.

It was a fascinating performance by the newly formed club in Nainamadama. This club is affiliated to the Puttalam District Swimming Association which fielded only one team due to lack of funds. The team comprised of Dineth Jayakody, Dileesha de Fonseka, Thimuru Fernando and Sonal Leiton. They swam their hearts out to win two events and they were placed 7th in the overall table ahead of schools like St. Peter’s, Nalanda, St. Benedict’s, Thurstan, Lyceum International Nugegoda, and British School of Colombo.

Coach of the team Anton Fernando said:

“Thanks to the unstinted support afforded by the parents and Damith Jayakody’s personal interest and with the support of the well-wishers we have been able to keep our heads above water. The team undergoes training at Mill Resort five days a week. It costs Rs. 200 per day including pool charges. Over 60 members of the team are from less affluent homes. The lads from the district deserve support and encouragement, rather than allow them to lead a Nomadic life.”

This historic effort should prove an eye opener for the powers that be to help develop swimming among rural kids who are fighting a battle for survival.
BW