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.
