Sports help children develop physical skills, get exercise, make friends, have fun, learn teamwork, learn to play fair, and improve self-esteem. Unfortunately, many schools in Srilanka do not even have a school playground for children to engage in sports. . UKFG is fully aware that physical activity can help prevent and manage mental health problems. As a first step,in developing sports in poor village schools UKFG has donated badminton courts to five schools in Kamburupitiya. Over the last few years, the charity has given away bats, balls, rackets and other equipment to many schools in the area.
On 15th January 2021, the UKFG Lanka Chairman handed over sports equipment worth 100,000 Rupees to children at Mapalana Junior school. This was another generous donation by Mr. Neil Carson and his family from the UK. The Mapalana children were delighted to receive a new table tennis table and badminton rackets to play at their brand new ‘Phillips Carson’ badminton court, Draught, Chess, and Carrom boards as well as many footballs. netballs and volleyballs. Accepting the gifts on behalf of the school, Mr. Samantha Meegahawaththa expressed his utmost gratitude to Mr. Neil Carson and his family. He explained that his children were very lucky because, in a short period of six months, Mr. Carson had given them a wonderful new library with 1000 books, a badminton court, a PC and printer, and brand-new pairs of shoes for all 350 children. He said that the staff and all the students are looking forward to meeting the Carson family when they visit Srilanka later this year. The day also happened to be Mrs. Ruvini Hewavidana’s birthday and the children sang “Happy Birthday” to her and wished her good health and wealth.
Mr. Gamage then visited Ullala school and handed over similar valuable sports gear to the children. The Ullala children were very grateful for the gift. In his acceptance speech, Ulllala’s principal explained that although the children were very keen to participate in various sporting activities, the school had no funds to buy even the most basic sporting equipment. He said that the Carson family’s latest donation of bats, rackets, balls, and nets was a godsend to his children. He thanked Mr. Neil and Mrs. Helen Carson, Mr. Gamage, and the Hewavidanas for their continuous support for the school.
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