-
The Latest in Enabling, Volunteering & Charity
News & Events
Dilmah helps empower differently-able in sport
20
OCT 2014
Harshini Kumari Pathiraja, studying for the Advance Level in the Commerce stream, came all the way from Kurunegala to take part in 2014's AIDEX (Aid to the Ex-Abled) Sports Festival that was held in Colombo. A regular entrant in the event organized by the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society for the differently-able, it is held annually for recipients of free limbs under the Jaipur Foot Program.
'I very much look forward to taking part in this sports gala. Back in my village, I have no opportunity to compete in sports,' said Harshini, an above the knee amputee since an accident aged 4.
'Having a chance to engage in sport has made me more confident. I have learnt to discipline my mind and complete tasks with a passionate desire to excel. I now feel that disability is not a handicap in courting success,' added the self-assured lass. By the day's end, Harshini had won medals for all three events she participated in.
However, there are no losers for the 300-plus girls, boys, men and women who took part in the sports activities. Cheered on by family and friends, they were determined to break records in courage and sportsmanship.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prof. A.H. Sheriffdeen said: 'We provide a travel allowance for participants and family to accompany them and also provide hostel accommodation. On the sports day, their breakfast, lunch and tea too is taken care of. There is a mobile service bus to repair limbs and is also equipped with a first-aid station. Special toilets too have been installed for the amputees.
'Dilmah has supported us over the years by providing t-shirts and caps for all participants and volunteers. Additionally, each person receives a corduroy satchel with a substantial gift package. Of course there are prizes for winning and sometimes consolation prizes up to eight places,' said Prof. Sheriffdeen.
The day progresses in bursts of honour and principle as some are forced to a slow start when their false leg comes off mid-race but labour on nonetheless to the finish line. Yet others inch towards the finish line with the aid of an umbrella for a walking stick, long after the rest have completed racing.
The program is sport in its truest sense, for the goal is not to win but to try. From almost total obscurity, perhaps one day a great hero will arise.
Started in 1991, AIDEX is the Annual Sports Festival for users of the Jaipur Limb. Organized by the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society, this is the only event that draws public attention towards the society and its hard work in the community.
Dilmah has sponsored this event since 2003.
'I very much look forward to taking part in this sports gala. Back in my village, I have no opportunity to compete in sports,' said Harshini, an above the knee amputee since an accident aged 4.
'Having a chance to engage in sport has made me more confident. I have learnt to discipline my mind and complete tasks with a passionate desire to excel. I now feel that disability is not a handicap in courting success,' added the self-assured lass. By the day's end, Harshini had won medals for all three events she participated in.
However, there are no losers for the 300-plus girls, boys, men and women who took part in the sports activities. Cheered on by family and friends, they were determined to break records in courage and sportsmanship.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prof. A.H. Sheriffdeen said: 'We provide a travel allowance for participants and family to accompany them and also provide hostel accommodation. On the sports day, their breakfast, lunch and tea too is taken care of. There is a mobile service bus to repair limbs and is also equipped with a first-aid station. Special toilets too have been installed for the amputees.
'Dilmah has supported us over the years by providing t-shirts and caps for all participants and volunteers. Additionally, each person receives a corduroy satchel with a substantial gift package. Of course there are prizes for winning and sometimes consolation prizes up to eight places,' said Prof. Sheriffdeen.
The day progresses in bursts of honour and principle as some are forced to a slow start when their false leg comes off mid-race but labour on nonetheless to the finish line. Yet others inch towards the finish line with the aid of an umbrella for a walking stick, long after the rest have completed racing.The program is sport in its truest sense, for the goal is not to win but to try. From almost total obscurity, perhaps one day a great hero will arise.
Started in 1991, AIDEX is the Annual Sports Festival for users of the Jaipur Limb. Organized by the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society, this is the only event that draws public attention towards the society and its hard work in the community.
Dilmah has sponsored this event since 2003.
Latest News
Rukshan Perera – Live in Concert 10
This will be his 10th annual concert which will seek to raise funds to provide support for Cerebral Palsy Centres in Jaffna and Kurunegala affiliated to Dilmah’s National Centre for Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders.
DBC students visit Sri Lanka
At MJF foundation, a CSR initiative of the Dilmah Ceylon tea services, students visited the Small Entrepreneur Programme, Rainbow Center, Culinary Institute, Swashakthi Bakery and Women’s Development Programme where they were also served freshly prepared meals by the women.
Festive vibe resonates at Colombo Design Market 2019
A festive vibe resonated across the Colombo Design Market at the Rio Cinema Complex last Sunday. Known as Sri Lanka’s first-ever maker’s market, the Colombo Design Market (CDM) is more than just a market, it is an experience.
Dilmah founder Merrill J. Fernando's work recognized with NZ doctorate
Dilmah Tea Founder Merrill J. Fernando has been capped as a Doctor of Science by Massey University in New Zealand.
NCCCPDD comes to Kandy
The National Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Developmental Disorders (NCCCPDD) opened its first extension in the hill capital on 23 May as part of Dilmah’s MJF Charitable Foundation’s efforts to strengthen the response to the needs of people with disabilities in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.