4 May, 2010
Sri Lankan Olympic Contenders Train in Perth
Two Sri Lankans are among 11 athletes from 8 different nations to arrive in Perth today for the start
of the fourth Perth 2011 Emerging Nations Programme (ENP). This intensive training programme
involves competitors from as far away as Serbia and Columbia. These aspiring athletes will arrive in
Perth today, with the dream of qualifying for the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.
The fourth ENP will be held at the Fremantle Sailing Club from 4-19 May, 2010. The athletes will
improve their sailing skills and knowledge under the guidance of top Australian sailing coaches,
Olympic Gold Medallist Belinda Stowell and former World Number One Arthur Brett.
The ENP programme aims to recognise talented international sailors (from countries which have
never been represented at the Olympic Games) and provide them with extra practical and
theorectical experience. This assistance could potentially enable them to qualify for the Perth 2011
ISAF Sailing World Championships (3-18 December, 2011) and secure a spot for their nation at the
2012 London Olympic Games Sailing Regatta!
Athletes attending the fourth training programme have been identified as being on the cusp of
qualifying at Olympic level, but due to underdeveloped sailing programmes in their home nations,
these young athletes are yet to reach their potential. They are among 34 sailors from 23 different
nations to participate in the first four (of seven) ENP intensive training programmes.
Their first step towards their dreams begins with another exciting ENP Regatta, which will be held on
Saturday 15th May, 2010 at Bathers Bay (Centre Course for the World Championships). During this
regatta, the ENP athletes will test their new skills against some of Australia’s best in the sport.
According to Perth 2011 Acting Event Director Darren Beazley, there is always plenty of exhilarating
action on the water during the ENP regattas;
“It is fantastic to see how much the athletes improve during the couple of weeks they spend training
with the ENP Coaches. It is such a pleasure for the coaches and the Perth 2011 team to watch their
confidence soar and their performances improve,” Mr Beazley said.
“The coaches really bring out the best in the ENP athletes and ensure that they give the Aussie
sailors ‘a run for their money’!”