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Family Run Saturdays

11 Apr 2021

In its attempts to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle to the public, the Government introduced its latest sports initiative, Family Run Saturdays, for the first time yesterday (10). The initiative, which is organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is part and parcel of the Government's active weekend initiative which also includes Football Fridays and Cycle Sundays.   The 5 km run will begin in Philip Gunewardena Mawatha next to Racecourse, go through Maitland Place, Vidya Mawatha, Wijerama Mawatha, R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Maitland Place again, Independence Ave, Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha, Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, and back to Philip Gunewardena Mawatha. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Minister of Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa stated that they wanted to allocate the weekends for these activities which everyone could enjoy. He explained that the initiatives are mainly to promote an active nation, and to make a lifestyle change for the public. “We need to create champions and world-class athletes, and for that we need to have an active lifestyle. This will encourage our youngsters to get into more competitive sports," said Rajapaksa.  He stated “Family Run Saturdays” is a programme where they can promote a healthy lifestyle for the entire family, from the oldest to the youngest. Families taking part in the weekly initiative can run, jog, or walk the 5 km, and will also have the option of taking part in several side activities related to an active lifestyle. These extra activities will include warm-up sessions, warm-down sessions, and other sporting activities such as yoga and Zumba.  Rajapaksa stated that eventually, the Ministry plans on expanding these initiatives to other parts of the country, and into places like Kurunegala, Kandy, Galle, Matara, and Hambantota to name a few.  He explained that all these initiatives are free to take part in, and therefore, will not have any organised crowds. Instead, it will depend on organic growth. However, he stated that “Family Run Saturdays” has already received a good response and similar to the other two initiatives, will eventually begin to organically pick up in popularity.   The “Football Friday” initiative which was launched at the beginning of 2021, has already garnered the interest of many local football fans according to the Ministry. The event brings together football players and spectators from around the country, and from different backgrounds.  The initiative currently takes place at the Racecourse grounds in Colombo, and is aimed to promote an active lifestyle while also giving the community a new outlet for stress at the end of each week. The entire event also ensures that it abides by the Covid health guidelines set out by the health authorities.  “Football Friday” even held a special event during the week of International Women’s Day, calling all women’s teams to come and play in one of their three fields, acknowledging and encouraging their impact in sports. This special event was graced by women's teams, spectators, and Chief Guest, Olympian Sriyani Kulawansa.   


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