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| Saturday, 19 July 2003 |
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ANCL media sponsor Mountain Biking C'ships July 27 by Bernard Perera The second annual Mountain Biking Championship for the Lotus Challenge Trophy organised by Tree of Life Hotel and conducted by the National Mountain Biking Association will be held at Yahalatenne Circuit owned by the Hotel on July 27. This was disclosed at the press briefing held last Saturday at the Tree of Life Hotel. It was also disclosed that Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (Lake House) has come forward as the media sponsor for the event with Lotus Tyres as main sponsor. Amal Suriyage, President of the Mountain Biking Association explaining the details of the championship said that the sponsors have consented to give cash awards in addition to trophies that are on offer. A total of fourteen events are scheduled to be worked off on this day in different categories. These cash awards will only be given to winners and runners-up of u-19 boys/girls, fun riders men/women, open event men/women and veterans over 45 years. The cash awards amount to Rs. 120,000, he said. There will also be winners selected from Kandy schools he said. This decision was arrived at by the organisers with a view to give an opportunity for boys and girls in the area and also to encourage youngsters to the sport, he added. The Principal of Kingswood College has come forward to promote the sport in the area and he is taking a personal interest in popularising the sport and also to help the organisers in this aspect, he said. The track for the under-13 and 16 will be the 2 kilometre one with less obstacles and the track proper consist a distance of 2.7 kilometres. The biggest event for the day will be the Lotus Open Sports Event where the riders have to complete three laps. Suriyage further added that in the inaugural year a total of 463 competed and this year with many additional awards on offer and schools given the opportunity the number of competitors could increase immensely. This is an encouraging factor, already over 25 competitors have entered for the veterans event, he said. From this year women's open event too will receive the Lotus Challenge Trophy. He thanked the sponsors for helping to conduct this event on a grand scale. Shelly Thenuwara, Chairman, Tree of Life Hotel the chief organiser of the event speaking said, his hotel is the first to have this kind of event for mountain bikers. As pioneers of this sport we have shown the way for other hotels also to take to the sports. Thenuwara added that his hotel is blessed with a natural track which is ideal for the event. "We are happy to be associated with the Mountain Biking Association and the main sponsor Lotus Tyres for an event of this nature which is progressing well at present." On the day of the event the onlookers are sure to get the best for thrill, he said. He said biking is a poor man's sport but with the trend changing many more have taken to the sport. As a concession to riders from outstations who are unable to stay the night here, will be provided lodging if they inform their inability he said. He also added that riders specially schoolchildren who are unable to bring with them their bikes too could give prior notice if they need assistance. Upali Silva, Director, Lotus Tyres, said that this is a sport that could be taken throughout the country. "My company which produces tyres as is main product thought it fitting to move on other equipment with a view to promoting our business which saw a low-key in the past. Entries will be accepted till 7.30 a.m., July 27, 2003. Entry coupons will appear in the Daily News and Dinamina. Competitors also could send in self-prepared entries. All participants are kindly requested to be present before 7.30 a.m. for official registration with the organisers. |
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