By Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team)   The All Island John Tarbat Junior Athletics Meet 2024, which took place at the Mathara Kotivila Grounds from the 18th to 20th November, saw tremendous achievements by the young athletes from Trinity College confirming their talent on the national level. Despite competing among the best in the country, the athletes showed great sportsmanship and turned out to be winners in numerous categories.  Remarkable Individual Achievements  Relay Teams and Group Efforts  Under-13 Overall Success  In a testament to their collective excellence, Trinity’s Under-13 Age Group secured the 2nd Runners-Up position overall, a remarkable achievement amidst fierce competition.  Merit Awards  Several Trinity athletes were recognised for their exceptional efforts and promising performances, earning Merit Awards in various events:  A Celebration of Effort and Dedication  The Trinity College community is immensely proud of these young athletes who exemplify the college’s values of discipline, perseverance, and excellence. Their accomplishments inspire the next generation of athletes to strive for greatness, both on and off the field. Gratitude should be given not only to the athletes but to the Master-in-Charge, the Head Coach  Mr Nilco Bandara, the Physiotherapy team, the Trinity College Athletics Foundation and Parents. 

The Trinity College Athletics Foundation organised an event to dedicate the TCK Athletics Skinny to Duncan White, one of our most celebrated alumni. As Trinity’s first athletics Lion in 1936, Duncan White went on to make history as Sri Lanka’s first and only male Olympic medallist, winning silver in the 400m hurdles at the 1948 London Olympics. His spirit of resilience and excellence continues to inspire generations at Trinity. The Skinny design pays tribute to this remarkable legacy. “Trinity Athletics” is displayed in silver, using the same font from his Olympic medal. On the back, a silver circle with 1948 at its centre serves as a powerful reminder to all who wear it—a call to greatness and a legacy to uphold. To commemorate this occasion, a special memento was presented to the Principal as a lasting tribute to Duncan White’s legacy and the inspiration he brings to all of us at Trinity. Read more about Duncan White at Duncan White: Trinitian, Hurdler and Trailblazer for Ceylon

By Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team)  At the All-Island Schools’ Athletics Meet, held from the 18th to the 22nd of October 2024 at the Sugathadasa stadium, relay teams of TCK left an indelible hallmark with an amazing demonstration of athletic ability and teamwork. The under-18 boys’ 4×100-meter relay team, which competed fiercely against other schools, finished in a respectable second place with a time of 42.99 seconds, while the under-16 boys’ team finished in fourth place with a time of 45.07 seconds. The relay teams were awarded the coveted title of second runners-up overall for their collectively exceptional performances. Adding to this remarkable success, the under-18 boys’ 4x400m relay team set a new meet record with an impressive time of 3:19.94. Congratulations to the team members: M.A. Riffai, U.G.K.U. Uyanwaththa, M.S. Hamza, and D.A. Gamage. Given how hard the athletes trained for this important event, their accomplishment is a tribute to their commitment, discipline, and unwavering quest for greatness.  The individual athletes also excelled, showcasing their commitment and diligence during the season. In order to realise their full potential, each athlete dedicated numerous hours to training, pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones  Master M.A. Riffai proved to be a strong competitor, finishing second in both the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 52.73 seconds and in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.28 seconds. In addition to showcasing his athletic prowess, his performance demonstrated his engrossment and resolve in overcoming obstacles during the season.  Additionally, Master U.G.K.U. Uyanwaththa made a strong performance, placing first in the 400-meter hurdles with a remarkable timing of 52.29 seconds. In addition, he was placed second in the 800m (1:52.15) and fifth in the 400m, showcasing his versatility in a variety of competitions. He approached every race with passion, demonstrating his dedication to training and mental strength  R.N. Amarasinghe added to Trinity College Kandy’s sports team’s accolades by showcasing his talent in the 80m hurdles, and being placed second with a time of 11.83 seconds. The team’s overall triumph was greatly aided by his performance, which culminated in an outstanding fourth-place finish at the All-Island Schools’ Athletics Meet. Amarasinghe’s journey to this success reflects the hours of preparation and resilience put forth throughout the season.  The Trinity College community’s steadfast support was essential to the success of this excursion. The principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, the Vice-Principal, Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas, the Co-Vice Principal, Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, Director of Sports, MIC, and the committed coaching staff, under the direction of Mr. Nilco Bandara, are acknowledged with gratitude. Their support and direction were essential in developing the participants’ abilities, establishing an atmosphere for young athletes to flourish.  Congratulations to every athlete for their outstanding performances and accomplishments at the All-Island Athletics Meet this year. Their diligence and tenacity set a high bar for upcoming contests and perfectly capture the essence of Trinity College Kandy. There is a lot of excitement for the upcoming athletics season and the continued success of our gifted athletes as the College community commemorates these achievements. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to their teammates and to upcoming generations of TCK’s athletes, highlighting the value of perseverance, hard effort, and teamwork. 

Reviewed by Ayyash AbuBakar (Web Content Team)   In honour of Mr Duncan White, the Trinity College Athletic Foundation organised a prestigious event on October 13th 2024.  Commencing at 11:30 a.m. in the College chapel, this gathering was dedicated to the athletes taking part in the All-Island School Games 2024, encompassing all age categories from under 14 to under 20. As this event was indelible, the athletes’ parents were also present. The chief guest, Mr. Ronhotty, delivered an inspiring address that resonated deeply with the athletes, while Rev. Father Araliya Jayasundara, the Principal, further uplifted their spirits. He emphasized that athletics is revered as the mother sport at Trinity College, despite rugby’s prominence in the school. He noted the remarkable progress athletics has achieved in recent years. The key feature of the event was mainly to honour the legacy of Mr Duncan White, a proud Trinitian who earned the distinction of being the first athletic lion of Trinity College in 1936, but also to celebrate his remarkable achievements, that include the winning of a silver medal in the 400m hurdles for Sri Lanka at the 1948 London Olympics. Following the Principal’s address, the distribution of skinnies started, beginning with the junior athletes in the under-14 and under-16 categories. Subsequently, the senior athletes received their skinnies, each adorned with an inspiration from Mr. Duncan Whites silver medal at the Olympics. This symbolic gesture was designed to inspire the athletes, and for them to be mindful of their commitment to athletics of Trinity College Kandy. It serves as a testament to the belief that, with dedication and hard work, anything is achievable. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, an official photo session began, capturing the moment with the senior athletes first, followed by a group photo of the entire team. Subsequently, the athletes were allowed to take memorable photographs with their parents and loved ones. Once the photo sessions concluded, the athletes were treated to a delightful luncheon at the college dining hall. The school meticulously organized this splendid meal, in celebration of the accomplished athletes. As the Trinity Athletic Skinny is dedicated in honour of Mr. Duncan White, it symbolizes not only the rich history of Trinity College, but also stands as a testament to the values of strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to excellence that Late Duncan White exemplified throughout his illustrious career. To every athlete who wears the skinny, may it be a reminder of the legacy and the excellence you are called to achieve.

By Ayyash AbuBakr (Web Content Team) The Senior Athletic Team of Trinity College Kandy achieved an impressive top ten finish at the Senior Sir John Tarbet Athletic Meet, held at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo from the 30th of September to the 3rd of October. Competitors ranging from under 16 to under 20 age categories demonstrated remarkable determination in pursuing a position among Sri Lanka’s top 10 boys’ athletic teams for 2024. Under the guidance of the captain Master Sachindu Wansekara and head coach Mr Nilco Bandara, with the unwavering commitment of the assistant coaches and the Master charge Mr Ayesh Kalugampitiya the team successfully upheld the proud legacy of Trinity College. An electrifying performance was delivered by Master Dihen Benthota on the second day, who excelled in the 800m event with a remarkable timing of 2.01.16mins, he turned out to be Sri Lanka’s 4th fastest 800m runner for the under 16 age category. Not only that the Under 16 relay team consisting of Master Akila Ellegala, Master Shavindu Moonamalpe, Master Yumal Jayasuriya, Master Thevith Aluthgedara, and Master Ayyash AbuBakar emerged 5th in the 4x100m relay where they achieved an astonishing timing of 45.48secs.  The key to emerging in the top ten in the country was due to the lions of the under-18 age category. Their winning streak made goosebumps appear on the spectators. Both Master Kalpadith Uyanawaththa and Master Atheeb Riffai secured first and second places in the 400m hurdle. Even though their achievements made everyone happy and grateful, the under-18 4x400m relay team shocked the commentators and the bystanders. A remarkable run by Master Hamza Sufiyan, Master Damrith Gamage, Master Charu Dassanayake, Master Atheeb Riffai, and Master Kalpadith Uyanwaththa left everyone’s jaws dropped. The Lions ran an astounding timing of 3.21.35 min to conquer 2nd place by breaking the national record with just a mere glimpse away from becoming 1st. They were also awarded 1st runners-up for the boys under 18 age category. Even though both these age categories gave their maximum effort, emerging in the top ten in an all-island athletic meet would not have been possible without the help of the under-20 age category. Their hard work and contribution to the team inspired all the young athletes. The Vice-captain of the Trinity athletic team Master Sadhil Ranaweera executed an exceptional sprint in the 800m race clinching 4th place and earning a timing of 1.56.67mins. The co-vice-captain Master Kavin Gamage ran an impressive 100m final as well. The under 20 4x400m relay team consisting of the captain Master Sachindu Wansekara, Master Sadhil Ranaweera, Master Murad Raiza, Master Kavin Gamage and Master Rahul Sathyasivam ran an astonishing final. The impressive performances of Trinity College at the Senior Sir John Tarbet Athletic Meet not only highlight the individual talents of its athletes but also underscore the strength of teamwork and dedication. With the unwavering support of their coaches and the strong friendships built among team members, the athletes have truly exemplified the spirit of Trinity College, highlighting resilience and ambition. The collective achievements of the under-16, under-18, and under-20 categories reflect the commitment and hard work invested in each athlete, setting an example for the young athletes of Trinity College. As the team looks forward to future competitions, their remarkable journey at the Senior Sir John Tarbet Athletic Meet is a testament to their potential and determination. Their hard work and resilience to excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the college’s athletic history. Photographed by Papare.com