MAS Holdings has cemented its role as a pivotal supporter of Sri Lankan sports with two groundbreaking initiatives: becoming the official clothing partner for Team Sri Lanka at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 and launching the MAS Athlete Training Academy.
In a grand ceremony attended by key dignitaries including Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, MAS Holdings CEO Suren Fernando, and NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam, the official Olympic kits were presented to the Sri Lankan contingent. This momentous occasion also marked the debut of the MAS Athlete Training Academy, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering athletic excellence and national pride.
The official kits, designed by Bodyline, a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, draw inspiration from Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the ancient martial art form Angampora. This blend of tradition and innovation reflects MAS’ commitment to showcasing Sri Lankan identity on a global stage.
Speaking at the event, MAS Co-Founder and Chairman Deshamanya Mahesh Amalean expressed optimism about the future of Sri Lankan sports amidst challenging times, emphasizing the role of the Olympics in inspiring the nation’s youth to achieve greatness.
The MAS Athlete Training Academy, established with a Rs. 650 million investment over eight years, represents Sri Lanka’s largest public-private partnership in athletic development. Collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Sports Ministry, Education Ministry, NOCSL, SLAA, and SLOA, the Academy aims to identify and nurture talent from grassroots levels upwards.
President Suresh Subramaniam highlighted the Academy’s significance in realizing athletes’ dreams of participating in the Olympics, underscoring its potential to shape future generations of Olympians. The comprehensive program includes specialized training, access to top-tier athletic gear, international exposure, nutritional support, and educational opportunities, ensuring holistic development both on and off the field.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha commended MAS for its proactive approach in youth development through sports, recognizing the academy as a cornerstone in fostering physical health, mental well-being, and essential life skills among Sri Lanka’s youth.
At the inauguration, 56 promising student-athletes received certification, marking the beginning of their journey under the Academy’s tutelage. Equipped with state-of-the-art tracking systems and digital platforms, the Academy is poised to monitor their progress meticulously, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and competitiveness.
MAS Holdings’ commitment to sports extends beyond the Olympic Games, with recent initiatives including Bodyline’s sponsorship of Sri Lanka Athletics and Lable’s support for the Sri Lanka Paralympic Association. These efforts underscore MAS’ dedication to advancing sports and nurturing talent across Sri Lanka’s diverse athletic landscape.
As Sri Lanka prepares to make its mark at the Paris Olympics, MAS’ dual role as official clothing partner and architect of the MAS Athlete Training Academy exemplifies its vision to empower the nation’s youth and promote sporting excellence on a global scale. With aspirations set high, MAS Holdings stands poised to shape a promising future for Sri Lankan sports.
