Colombo, Feb 22, 7.20PM – In a landmark event, the National Paralympic Committee is set to host the “Decade of Excellence,” a prestigious celebration honoring 29 medal winners. These remarkable athletes have collectively secured 69 medals in international competitions over the past 12 years. Under the esteemed patronage of Sports Minister Harin Fernando, the ceremony will take place at the Waters Edge in Battaramulla on Saturday, February 24th, starting at 6:30 PM.
Over the past 12 years, Sri Lanka has achieved significant success on the international stage, earning medals in three Paralympic Games—2012 London, 2016 Rio, and 2021 Tokyo. Additionally, the nation has secured medals in four World Para Championships and one Commonwealth Para Games, along with notable achievements in four Asian Para Games.
The journey to these 69 medals represents the dedication and sacrifices of 29 para athletes, many of whom are war heroes, having served their nation during Sri Lanka’s turbulent civil war. Despite their extraordinary achievements, these athletes have not received formal recognition for their contributions. Therefore, the National Paralympic Committee has orchestrated this internationally recognized felicitation ceremony to honor and uplift them as they prepare for the Paris Paralympics 2024.
The ceremony will not only celebrate the medal-winning para athletes but also recognize the dedicated coaches who have tirelessly worked to elevate Sri Lanka’s image through their athletes’ accomplishments.
Throughout the decades, numerous sponsoring institutions have played a pivotal role in empowering these athletes to excel. The National Paralympic Committee intends to acknowledge and appreciate their invaluable support, including key sponsors such as Dialog Axiata and others.
With the aim of promoting and celebrating local para athletes on a global scale, the celebratory felicitation ceremony will be broadcast live worldwide. Viewers can tune in via the World Paralympic Committee website, the Asian Paralympic Committee’s official Facebook page, as well as the NPC’s Facebook page.
The National Paralympic Committee’s initiative reflects a commitment to honor and uplift Sri Lanka’s para athletes, recognizing their exceptional achievements and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in para-sports.
