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| Saturday, 18 December 2004 |
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Over 100 foreign riders for Singer Tour for Peace by Bernard Perera Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jeevan Kumaratunga and Chairman Singer Sri Lanka Ltd signed the sponsorship agreement for the Singer Tour for Peace at a simple ceremony held at the Sports Ministry last Monday. Singer Tour for Peace is scheduled to commence on March 16 and will continue for twelve days covering all parts of the country including North and East said Amal Suriyage addressing the press briefing held on the same day. The Singer Tour for Peace will be conducted by the Interim Committee for Cycling and the Mountain Biking Association in Collaboration with the Ministry of Sports said Suriyage. He also disclosed that Asian German Sports Exchange Program (AGSEP) too is involved along with UNICEF as its theme is mainly based on peace. He also said that UNICEF has had discussions with LTTE in organising these events in the North and East and they have shown a keenness for the event. The event will not only be cycling he said. Once the tour ends in those cities the organisers along with UNICEF and AGSEP have made arrangements to conduct netball and soccer events for schools in those areas. The organisers have decided to conduct the race over distance of 1,500 kilometers and on a team basis. Already 12 European teams and 6 Asian teams have confirmed their participation through their agencies. The race proper is due to commence on March 17 with time trials fixed for March 16 said Suriyage. A team has to have a membership of four and the minimum is six. Over 100 foreign riders will take part he said. Sri Lanka will field a national team and five teams. The additional teams should comprise riders who have reached the rankings. Sixty local riders have gained the rankings. Out of which only thirty six cyclists get the opportunity of entering the event he said. Those riders who are not attached to any club are requested form as teams if they are desirous of competing in this event he said Suriyage further added that with world famous Singer brand's sponsorship coming into this sort of sport it should definitely be a success. Singer have got involved in many other sports in the past and these have shown great successes. The Ministry of sports too have given the green light for the event as if hopes Peace can be achieved through sports. This is a sport that everyone in this country can be a participant in many ways. As such an event of this calibre is sure to attract the attention of everyone who loves Peace. Sanjay Karunarate, Merchandising and Promotions Manager Singer Sri Lanka Limited speaking on the occasion said that his company has helped cycling at district levels and this is the first occasion that company decided to take up to national level. The company sees a great improvement in the sport and with more assistance given we could improve further and also with foreign flavour added we are sure to achieve great heights said Karunaratne. |
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