THE INAUGURATION OF THE THOMIAN RUGBY FUND

As you may already be aware, the OLD THOMIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION (OTRFU) is actively involved in promoting and developing Rugger at our alma mater.

The 09^th Annual Junior Thomian Rugby Carnival organized by the OTRFU and held at College a few months back was a roaring success with more than 225 boys in the Under-10 to Under-16 age groups participating at this well attended event.  The organizers were able to unearth a wealth of talent in all age groups and they are confident that Thomian Rugby will be well served in the future if this talent is properly harnessed and developed.  This could be done only through scientific coaching, proper training and nutrition.

Therefore the OTRFU has embarked on an ambitious programme to provide these inputs through the college to the talented young Thomians so that we would be in a position to regularly turn out side that are worthy of wearing the Blue – Black jersey.

Rugby coaching is now a scientific and professional activity that requires full-time commitment.  Gone are the days when part-timers undertook coaching on an honorary basis and produced satisfying results.  Most schools, particularly the ones that have shown marked progress in Rugby in the recent past, have embarked on long term programmes for the development of Rugby in their respective schools.  They hire top full-time professional coaches and trainers (some from overseas) and provide the young Ruggerites the best of technical know-how and advise on nutrition.

Unfortunately STC has fallen behind in this respect mainly due to the unavailability of regular funding that is vital in the formulation of a long term programme.  As things are, College cannot on its own pay market rate coaching fees to high caliber coaches, trainers and physiotherapists.  Therefore OTRFU has decided to step in and assist College by providing the balance funds required every year to undertake a long term programme for the development of Rugby at S Thomas.

The income of the OTRFU is limited to member’s subscriptions and a few fund raising activities undertaken as and when funds are needed.  Such ad hoc activity cannot sustain a development programme that will span over a few years.

In the light of the above, the OTRFU Committee has decided to inaugurate “The Thomian Rugby Football Fund” to seek the support of the OBA branches located overseas, various class groups and well wishers of Thomian Rugby, in financing this ambitious long term venture of promoting and developing Rugby at STC.  Due to the length of the programme to be undertaken ( a minimum of 03 years), it is imperative that adequate funds are available throughout the programme to sustain it until its objectives are achieved.

The paid rugby budget per annum exceeds Rs 2.5 Mn per annum of which 75% is for payment of over twelve coaches in six different age groups.  Nutrition, equipment, transport, laundry and medical costs account for the balance.

Our initial targets will be as follows:

a)  To raise Rs 20 Mn which will be invested and the income utilized to fund rugby.

b)  To raise funds for the payment of immediate expenses.

Therefore we request your OBA Branch Association/Class Group to contribute any sum towards the fund or commit a fixed  contribution say for a period of three years, so that the OTRFU could count on your regular contribution when the finances of the programme are arranged.  Such regular contributions would be appreciated as against ad  hoc contributions, which of course would be welcome as an alternative.

If your Branch Association or the Class Group is willing to support this worthy cause you are kindly requested to get in touch with one of the persons whose contact details appear below and intimate your offer at a very early date.

President:	Secretary:	Treasurer:
S R de Livera	Y S de Soyza	R Renganathan
39/6 Shrubbery Gardens	Havelock City	Ceylinco Life Center
Colombo 04	324 Havelock Road	134 Galle Road
Tel:  2592875/077484022	Colombo 6	Colombo 3
Fax:  2592874	Tel:  2502247/0777-778180	Tel:  246200/2461202
Email: shanaka@eureka.lk	Fax:  2502248	Fax:  2336933