Brandix boost for ace weight lifter Chinthana Vidanage





Brandix Casualwear CEO Pravin Kalpage presents Vidanage with sporting gear

Champion weight lifter Chinthana Vidanage, one of just eight prospects from Sri Lanka at next month’s Beijing Olympics, received a valuable morale booster from his employer Brandix Lanka Limited when the country’s largest apparel exporter presented the athlete with a token of its support.

Less than two weeks before he leaves for the greatest challenge in his athletic career, Vidanage was presented with sports gear and an assurance that his 25,000 colleagues at Brandix would also be bracing their muscles with him when he embarks on his medal quest in China on August 12th.

“Chinthana symbolizes the aspirations and the determination to excel that have been instilled in employees of Brandix at all levels,” said Pravin Kalpage, CEO of Brandix Casualwear, who conveyed the Group’s best wishes at the presentation of the sponsorship.  “All over Sri Lanka, associates of Brandix will be watching his progress at the Olympics with great intensity.”

The holder of eight Sri Lanka weight lifting records, Vidanage who has consistently exceeded 300 kg lifts in training for the Olympics, will compete against 23 other lifters in the 69 kg Class in his first round on August 12th. The weight lifting events take place over three days.

A consistent supporter of sporting teams and individuals who represent Sri Lanka, Brandix recently sponsored the Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Team that competed at the Asian Schools Swimming Championship in Malaysia. Earlier this year, the company became the clothing sponsor for the Sri Lanka Men’s and Women’s Golf teams. Other recent commitments to sport include the sponsorship of an eight-member contingent of exceptional undergraduate athletes from the University of Kelaniya to participate at the World University Games (Universiade) 2007. Sri Lanka’s colourful fast bowling sensation Lasith Malinga is also employed by Brandix.