Rower Amidu Silva bags the coveted Filippi Spirit award
Amidu with Mr. Filippi after the award ceremony
Sri Lanka national flag flew high at the 2018 World Rowing Awards presentation held in Germany on November 28, when Amidu Silva, skipper of the Moratuwa Rowing team walked to the stage to receive the prestigious Filippi Sprit Award,
Presented by the World Rowing Federation (FISA), the Filippi Spirit award is awarded honouring university student oarsmen in recognition of their commitment to world rowing core values, Silva was awarded this prestigious award ahead of nominees from United States, Australia and Serbia. In recognition of the Sri Lankan’s involvement in the club and help on the club in developing more young oarsmen in the future, a custom made Filippi rowing boat was awarded to the University of Moratuwa rowing team by Filippi Boats, Italy.
Amidu Silva had not only created a milestone in Sri Lanka’s rowing history but also in Asian rowing history, since it was the first occasion an Asian oarsman has won a major international rowing award.
This 4th year undergraduate of the University of Moratuwa and the captain of the rowing team is also a brilliant allrounder having received award for the best student in Engineering in 2016 and 17 apart from his sporting achievements.
Amidu with the World Rowing Womens crew of the year
Silva has been a consistent performer in rowing where he has received University and SLUSA colours for 2016 and 17. Leading from the front the Moratuwa University rowing team won the Inter University Rowing championship where he won the award for most outstanding oarsman. He also won third place at the Varsity Boat race held in Malaysia last month, securing two bronze medals at the LM4- and V8+ event featuring best rowing clubs in Asia.
This old Royalist led the Sri Lanka rowing team at the recently concluded World University Rowing Championships held in China.
Amidu Silva has also received awards for best sportsman with highest GPA and had appeared on the Dean’s list (GPA above 3.8) for seven semesters. His ability to balance both studies and sports is indeed an object lesson for any student who wishes to follow his footsteps into becoming a high achiever.
Amidu finally said ‘I am humbled and honoured in bring this honour to motherland and the university. Credit goes to everyone who helped me in this long way’.