The Mayor of Kandy Kesara Senanayake will launch ‘Sport Unites’, an innovative new programme that uses the power of sport to boost social integration, increase participation and improve the physical and mental health of sportsmen and women. His new sports programme will include funding projects that use sport to bring together people from different backgrounds and strengthen local communities.
he Mayor believes sport is a powerful tool for social change, and can be used to address a range of issues facing communities. It can support the development of essential life skills, develop confidence and improve self-esteem. It’s a great way to strengthen social integration, helping sports lovers from all backgrounds to build relationships.
. The Kandy Municipal Council is blessed with 24 playgrounds across the city, and many of them need to be upgraded as they have reached the end of their life spans. The Mayor will start to clean and upgrade the playgrounds, which is going to help sports lovers in a big way. The Municipal Council also has 45 community centres where indoor sports are played. These sporting venues not only help the very young, but also kids of older ages and teenagers and adults.
The Mayor’s strategy for sport – Sport for All of Us – will support a long-term vision to make Kandy the most active and socially-integrated city. Today there are many schools and clubs without grounds. The only ground they had for matches the Bogambara Stadium was taken over by the Sports Ministry in the late 1990’s. When it was under the Municipality the ground charged only a few hundred rupees. Today the price is sky-high and poor schools and clubs are finding it difficult to pocket out the money. At present the Bogambara Stadium is under repairs. Today there is a crying need for more playgrounds with many youngsters taking to sports. The Mayor’s initiative will be a great help to put the youth of today on the correct path. The opposition leader Sena Dissanayake and the new commisioenr Amila Nanayakkara a sports lover is giving his fullest backing
The Mayor Kesara Senanayake said: “I am passionate about grassroots sport and we must harness its unique power to bring people together. Sport can help strengthen societies and has a long history of tackling discrimination and promoting equality,respect and justice. “Sport Unites will use sport to improve social integration in our great city and I’m delighted to be working closely with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, a great sports lover who is sure to give a helping hand.
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