Gateway International School and Royal College with the aim of promoting Basketball in schools sector have organized an inaugural basketball encounter between these two schools to be played on the February 17th at the Pedris Park Basketball courts. The encounter is played for the Alles -
Gunesekera Challenge Cup which will be conducted annually. This disclosed to the media at a press briefing held at the SSC pavilion on Thursday.
Addressing the Media Chairman of Gateway Intl. College Dr. Harsha K. Alles thanked the Principal of Royal College for accepting proposal for this big encounter by Gateway Intl. College. He noted that this is the first occasion that an International School and a Government School is engaging in sporting event of this magnitude. He said that whether an International
school or a Government School serve the younger generation of our country. Our combination will pave the way for our school children to bond themselves together and also enhance their diverse values, cultures and backgrounds among them for a better future, he added.
He further said that the Trophy on offer is named in memory of Leading Educationists, founder of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo and Gateway Intl. College R.I.T. Alles and former Vice Principal of Royal College and an ardent supporter of Basketball who also served as the President of Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association E. Christie Gunesekera. Dr. Alles further added that the inaugural match will be staged on a grand scale with many attractions to keep the spectators on a festive mood. This will also be an eye opener for all schools to follow this new concept if they are keen to promote sports in the school sector.
This ‘Big Basketball’ encounter has received the biggest appreciation from Monash University of Australia and Malaysia with Jay Jayatilleke the Director Marketing Monash University coming forward to sponsor the event. Jay Jayatilleke speaking said that Monash University will continue to support this great event in the future too. He further added that education and sports is a must for young ones as it helps to keep their health and togetherness among students.
Principal of Royal College stated that this kind of activity among schools will help students learn togetherness which is a vital part to promote peace. He thanked Dr. Harsha Alles for mooting this proposal with the intention of promoting the sport while remembering two great educationists
in the country. He also thanked organizing committees of both schools for taking a keen interest to make it successful venture.
To make this day a unforgettable spoting day the organizers have also made arrangements to conduct two more matches one for under 15 basket ballers of two schools and under 19 girls of Gateway Intl. and Bishops College will engage in a game of basketball which too will become as an annual event in the future.
The chief guest on the day will be the wife of late R.I.T. Alles Mrs. Rohini Alles and the guest honor will be the Regional Manager of Monash University, Jack Johnson who has confirmed his participation. The Awards ceremony will be followed soon after the match.