July 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s leading apparel-tech conglomerate, MAS Holdings, has secured Cabinet approval to establish the MAS Athlete Training Academy, marking the country’s first large-scale Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at developing future Olympians.
The academy, set to officially launch on July 8, involves an investment exceeding Rs. 550 million over eight years. It is designed to nurture and support young athletes with the goal of representing Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The programme includes specialised training, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, nutritional and educational support, as well as direct funding and equipment for athletes and their coaches.
The MAS Athlete Training Academy is a collaborative initiative that involves the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, National Olympic Committee, Sri Lanka Athletics Association, and the Sri Lanka Olympian Association.
The academy will conduct specialised testing and selection camps to identify and develop talented athletes from schools nationwide.
“Given Sri Lanka’s history of Olympic success in athletics and the considerable potential of athletes from rural areas, we felt it was time to make a substantial investment to harness their talent and prepare them for international success,” said MAS Holdings Co-Founder & Chairman Mahesh Amalean.
Following a comprehensive evaluation process at the all-island school games in May 2024, the initial group of 56 athletes, consisting of 24 girls and 32 boys, has been selected from nine provinces.
These athletes will compete in various track and field events, including short, mid, and long-distance races. Their performance and training metrics will be monitored using a state-of-the-art digital app.
“Our aim is to provide a well-rounded development environment for these young athletes. By integrating top-tier training, international exposure, educational and nutritional support, we aim to elevate grassroots talent to the global stage, ushering in a new era of athletic excellence in Sri Lanka,” said Isuru Gunaratne, General Manager – Strategic Planning, MAS Holdings.
