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By Bernard Perera

Disabled sportsmen and women who brought honour to their motherland winning 25 medals (5 gold, 8 silver and 12 bronze medals) at the Asian Games for disabled in Busan, Korea organised by Far East Sports for Paralympic Olympic Committee were felicitated last Tuesday at Palm Village Hotel, Uswetakeiyawa. The Ceremony was organised by National Federation of sports for the Disabled headed by Premadasa Dissanayake President of the Federation.

Speaking on the occasion Dissanayake said: "The Federation planned to send a team of 51 competitors for the games. We had to undergo many hardships finding financial assistance by way of sponsorships. This problem made avenues to prune down competitors to 40. "If we managed to field the full contingent our team would have returned with a bigger haul of medals.

"We are proud that these disabled sportsmen and women after undergoing many hardships came up with flying colours not only by bringing in 25 medals but also securing the eighth position in the overall standings out of 45 countries. "This is the main reason why our Federation decided to Felicitate medal winners and also the other members of the squad" Premadasa said.

Dissanayake concluded requesting all Lankans to gather around these sportsmen and women as they too bring honour to our country though they are handicapped. All of them need assistance and encouragement." He also paid a tribute to the media for all publicity rendered during their tour.

Deputy Director Department of Social Services H. Rajapakse was present alongwith officials of the Federation and many high ranking Army officials.

It was sad to note that although the Sports Ministry officials were invited for this sporting event none of them turned up for the occasion.

Chaminda Priyadharshan of Sri Lanka Army was the most outstanding among all winning three Gold medals for swimming (100 M Free Style, 100 M Back Stroke and 50 M Free Style). Sri Lanka Army's Shantha Kumara with two gold one silver and 1 bronze medal was outstanding on the track winning 800 M and 400 M events.

In the women's category it was 23 year old W.P. Rasanjali Priyadharashani did well to win two silvers in the Javelin and Discus events.

All members of the tour party were presented with mementos.

These were given away by Major Gamini Wickremanayake, Priyantha Pieris, Squad Ldr. Cyril Siriwardene, Dr. Sunil Somaweera C/o. Ranaviru Sevana, H. Rajapakse and Premadasa Dissanayake.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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