With the conclusion of the Inter-University Games, J’pura rejoices having reached the much expected top notch among all competing universities. Last week’s predictions became evident with J’pura scoring highest marks at the end of the series of games.
Commenting on the occasion, the sports unit declares that the win has been a collective effort of the administration, staff (both academic and non-academic) and students. The recent change in the unit’s management has played a significant role in preparation and proceeding with plans. They were able to support the students in numerous ways such as providing proper training, getting financial assistance, transport and other facilities and above all the frequent moral boost generated towards the players. J’pura players were directed to many sporting events, local as well as international, for the year 2015, and this exposure has been instrumental in encouraging students to train well and do better than they’ve ever tried.
The sports unit wishes to deliver special thanks to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, for his visionary approach towards the games. Being a fine sportsman himself, and having been the sports council chairman and the advisory to the board, it is no doubt the Vice Chancellor’s support is invaluable for the win. Furthermore, the deans of various faculties, especially Prof.Sudantha Liyanage, Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences, have made kind moves to adjust examination dates, so that the students may train and attend the games. Even the students were relentless in their schedules, managing both studies and games, sometimes even during the same day. It is indeed wonderful to see academics and sports being so cooperative. In addition, the officials thank the registrar, the bursar and their staff for attending to the unit’s requests in very short notice. Last, but not least, they appreciate the work of the sports council that made the achievement possible.
J’pura took part in 34 of the total of 35 events. The outcome was as follows.
It is only in carrom, karate and taekwondo (women’s) that a top spot was not reached by our players.
Inter-University Games, which dates back to 1960’s, was initially staged between the Colombo University and the University of Peradeniya. With Kelaniya and Sri Jayawardanapura universities gaining recognition in 1969, these games were established the way it is continued today.
The idea is to create a platform for students of local universities to attain a true sporting experience. Though the games went on, J’pura has never won the championship until 2015. So it has proved to be a remarkable year for the J’pura sports stars.
