Reviving the Spirit

When we stepped into the role as Sports and Recreation Directors, we were driven by one goal: to bring life back into an avenue that had grown quiet in recent times. While the Sports and Recreation Avenue had seen minimal activity in the previous year, we saw endless potential and an opportunity to turn it into something vibrant, inclusive, and lasting. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. But what we didn’t realize was just how deeply this journey would shape us.

A Year of Revival, Energy, and Purpose

This year, we didn’t just organize events, we revived a forgotten heartbeat of our club. We poured in our passion, creativity, and countless hours of effort to reimagine what this avenue could be. Our mission was simple: use sports and recreation as a way to build joy, unity, and unforgettable memories.

Among all the moments we shared, one stood above the rest:

Touchdown’24 – Tag Rugby Tournament

A defining chapter in both of our lives. Touchdown’24 was not just an event, it was a dream realized. Organized in proud collaboration with the Rugby Team of University of Colombo, it brought together competitive energy, electric atmosphere, and immense pride. The presence of Mr. Tharinda Ratwatte, Captain of the Sri Lankan National Rugby Team, as our Chief Guest made the day even more extraordinary.

But behind the scenes, the journey was anything but easy. We faced pressure, fatigue, and more than a few moments of near burnout. We still remember a moment clearly:

Rugby Captain: “nangis i was talking to rugby players in the polling station too”

That simple exchange became our fuel. We held each other up, pushed through, and delivered something far beyond what we ever imagined. As two young women leading this project from scratch, we proved to ourselves and to others that leadership is not about how loud your voice is, but how strong your purpose is.

Rota Awurudu

Our cultural celebration that honored tradition, laughter, and unity through New Year games and festive fun. It was pure joy and a perfect example of how recreation connects people from all walks of life.

RCL – Rotaract Champions League

A high-spirited series of sports that brought out healthy competition and lasting camaraderie. Organizing it tested our skills but also brought out the best in our teams.

Memories Etched in Our Hearts

More than any event, what we will carry with us are the countless little moments of chaos, teamwork, victories, and the shared resilience. And perhaps our favorite part of it all is a dream we often talk about:

“After 10+ years, let’s go to a coffee shop and talk about all the memories we made during Touchdown. That… that was the best thing that ever happened to us in our university life.”

That thought, that memory in the making, will always live in our hearts. Because this wasn’t just about sports. It was about friendship, growth, and creating something that will outlast us.

Walking Away with Pride

We began this journey with the hope of reactivating an overlooked avenue. What we ended up doing was so much more. We built a legacy. We built impact. And we built memories that will last a lifetime.

To the next team taking on this role: dream big, support each other, and trust the process. You never know you might just create the best chapter of your life too.

To every Rotaractor reading this: never underestimate the power of an idea, a vision, or a team. And to the next generation of leaders don’t be afraid to dream big. Because sometimes, a quiet corner just needs the right spark to shine again.

-Rtr. Subhagyaa De Silva and Rtr.Biyoni Direkze (Sports and Recreational Co-Directors)