Inspiring Olympic Spirit: MAS signs on as official clothing partner for Paris Olympic Games 2024 &launches MAS Athlete Training Academy
09 Jul 2024
• Official Olympic Podium kits designed by MAS unveiled for Paris Olympic Games 2024
• MAS Athlete Training Academy inaugurated in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, NOCSL, SLAA and SLOA
• 56 student-athletes admitted to the academy based on performance at all-island level
(8th July 2024, Colombo) At an event held in Colombo, MAS Holdings was announced as the Official Clothing Partner of Team Sri Lanka for the Paris Olympic Games 2024. Here, the official kits were handed over to the Sri Lanka Olympic contingent. The event coincided with the inauguration of the MAS Athlete Training Academy, an initiative by MAS to identify, develop and support young athletes to successfully represent Sri Lanka at future Olympic Games.
The event was graced by the presence of Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha.
Signing of the National Olympics Committee and MAS Agreement (L-R): Maxwell De Silva (Secretary – National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka), Dinesh De Silva (CEO – Bodyline), Suresh Subramaniam (President – National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka)
Paris Olympic Games 2024
The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka announced its final contingent for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games 2024. This year’s six-member contingent comprises of three athletes - Dilhani Lekamge, Tharushi Karunaratne, and Aruna Dharshana, two swimmers - Kyle Abeysinghe and Ganga Seneviratne as well as one badminton player, Viren Nettasinghe who will all be first time Olympians.
Members of the Sri Lankan contingent were felicitated by Co-founder and Chairman of MAS Holdings, Desamanya Mahesh Amalean, who said “Following some of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history, we believe that it is important now more than ever to tend the flame of Sri Lanka’s Olympic spirit and help inspire a new generation of Sri Lankans to pursue greatness on a global stage. We wish this year’s national contingent success in Paris and call on all Sri Lankans to rally behind each of these inspiring young athletes.”
Unveiling and handing over the kit for Team Sri Lanka for Paris Olympic Games 2024 (L-R): Dinesh De Silva (CEO – Bodyline), Dilhani Lekamge (Flag bearer), Suresh Subramaniam (President – National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka), Suren Fernando (CEO – MAS Holdings), Her Excellency Marie-Noëlle Duris, Dilshan Mohamed (Group Product Transformation Officer)
The contingent kits were designed by Bodyline Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of MAS. The designs were inspired by the ancient Sri Lankan martial art form Angampora, depicted in the ancient carvings at the Ambekke Temple.
Speaking about the Academy, President of the National Olympic Committee Suresh Subramanium said, “Participating in the Olympic Games is a dream for any athlete. It is crucial for us to inspire the next generation of Olympians and looking at this years’ contingent, we can show them that this dream can become a reality. We are confident in the potential of the academy to bring out the best in our athletes in the years ahead.”
Symbolic Handover of MAS Athlete Training Academy Certificate and Kit to H. M. Nethmika Madushani Herath by Co-founder and Chairman, Desamanya Mahesh Amalean
MAS Athlete Training Academy
Established through a Rs. 650 million investment over an 8-year period, the MAS Athlete Training Academy inaugurated by MAS, represents Sri Lanka's single largest Public-Private-Partnership in athletics development. This is a partnership with the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), the Sri Lanka Athletics Association (SLAA), and the Sri Lanka Olympian Association (SLOA).
The Academy uses a comprehensive process to identify and nurture talented athletes from school-level upwards. This includes a holistic development programme combining focused training, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, nutritional and educational support, with funds and equipment provided directly to athletes and their respective coaches.
"Sports play a crucial role in the holistic development of our young people, fostering physical health, mental well-being, and essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. This training academy is an impressive commitment towards the development of young Sri Lankan athletes both on and off the field. Such efforts are crucial in inspiring the next generation," Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha said.
Team Sri Lanka for Paris Olympic Games 2024 along with officials from National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Athletics Association and Leadership of MAS Holdings
The first group of 56 high-performing athletes selected to the Academy were present at the event with their parents, respective coaches and school principals to receive their certification. Their ongoing performance and training metrics will be tracked by the academy using a best-in-class digital app to strengthen their competitiveness and encourage continuous improvement.
The Academy is the most significant in a series of efforts by MAS to support athletes and develop sports in Sri Lanka. Most recently, Bodyline signed on as the Official Clothing Partner for Sri Lanka Athletics, from 2024 through to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. MAS’ adaptive clothing brand, Lable also supports the Sri Lanka Paralympic Association with specially designed adaptive performance wear for the Sri Lankan para-athletes.
