A student of the Bolana Maha Vidyalaya in Ambalanthota faced an untimely death while participating in a marathon. It is a serious issue that the country still lack a streamlined checkup for students who come forward to contest a marathon.

 

 

Chamod Sathsara had to face this untimely death while participating in the marathon of the school’s annual inter-house sportsmeet. The student died after he collapsed on the road after about 20 minutes since the commencement of the race. Attempts made to save his life failed despite being expeditiously hospitalized. He was pronounced dead on admission.

 

 

School Principal J.V.P. Karunaratne said that the students were permitted to participate in the marathon after a proper medical checkup and a warm-up procedure.

 

 

A suitable strategy is being adhered to in other countries with respect to students participating in such event. Parents submit a report to the school giving information on the health condition and whether the child is suffering with critical illnesses in addition to whether the child is taking medicinal drugs. After a full scrutiny of the report a decision is taken whether the child should be permitted to participate in the competition. Although such a strategy is not adopted in the country, this situation clearly displays that the time is opportune to adhere to such a mechanism for the safety of the children.