98th Athletics Nationals to be held under strict health guidelines
Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) will conduct the 98th Senior National Championship from December 26 to 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium following strict health regulations because of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited participation of athletes and without spectators.
“We have taken into consideration the need to adhere to guidelines set by health authorities and Institute of Sports Medicine (ISM). The attendance at the event is restricted to invited athletes, technical and other officials including the media,” said Prema Pinnawela, general secretary of SLA.
Selected athletes will participate in 38 events with competition being held from 6.30am to 11.30am each day with about 150 athletes taking part each day.
“All selected athletes, coaches, officials and media will be transported from Torrington ground each day at 6.00am. We regret that parents, well wishers and supporters of athletes are not allowed to enter the stadium,” added Pinnawela.
All participants have been requested to strictly adhere to the health guidelines laid out by the government by maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, etc. Those who have fever, cough or other ailments have been asked to refrain for attending the event, according to a circular issued by SLA President Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Palitha Fernando.
Only those athletes whose events are taking place on that day will be transported to the event venue and back from Torrington square.
Coaches and support have to get special permission from SLA to participate in the event. Warming up will be allowed 90 minutes before an event and cooling down period of 45 minutes will be allowed on the 200 metre track.
The results will be announced over the public address system but no prize giving ceremony will take place though athletes will be given opportunities to take photographs.
| The schedule of events: December 26: 3,000m Steeplechase, 5,000m, 200m, Putt, Long Jump, 800m, Javelin, 200m, Long Jump, Heptathlon December 27: 3,000m Steeplechase, 5,000m, Hurdles, 800m, Pole Vault, Discus, High Jump, Heptathlon December 28: 10,000m, 100m, Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Hurdles, Putt, Javelin, High Jump, Pentathlon December 29: 10,000m, 400m, Hammer Throw, Triple Jump, 1,500m, 400m, Pentathlon | |