MAS Holdings launches Sri Lanka’s largest Public-Private Partnership for developing future Olympians

(Daily Mirror) - MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka's leading apparel-tech conglomerate, has received Cabinet approval to establish the MAS Athlete Training Academy, the nation’s first and largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at fostering next-generation Olympians. 

Officially launching on July 8, the academy represents an investment of over Rs. 550 million spread across eight years, aimed at nurturing and supporting young athletes to represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The comprehensive development programme includes focused training, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, nutritional and educational support, and direct funding and equipment for athletes and their coaches.

MAS Athlete Training Academy is a collaborative effort involving 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 nurture talented athletes from schools across the nation.

“Given Sri Lanka's Olympic success in athletics and the immense potential of athletes from rural backgrounds, we felt it was time to make a significant investment to harness their potential and prepare them for global success,” said MAS Holdings Co-Founder & Chairman Mahesh Amalean.

Following a rigorous evaluation process at the all-island school games in May 2024, the first batch of 56 athletes, comprising 24 girls and 32 boys, has been selected from nine provinces. These athletes represent 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 goal is to provide a holistic development environment for these young athletes. By integrating high-quality training, international exposure, educational and nutritional support, we are trying to take the talents from the grassroots to the global stage, establishing a new era of athletic excellence in Sri Lanka,” said Isuru Gunaratne, General Manager – Strategic Planning, MAS Holdings.