School for the deaf conquers new frontier, basketball
A Team of Basketball Players are Opening the Eyes and Ears of a Society
– For the students of the Ratmalana School for the Deaf, “Forward Beyond Barriers” is no longer just a school motto, but a reality lived and shared on the basketball court. Gaining the attention of a wider audience, the school’s basketball team recently competed for the first time ever in the Schools Basketball Tournament 2026 Division D – Tier 2 boys’ competition, marking an important milestone for student-athletes with disabilities.The school’s basketball team finished the tournament on a high note with a win against Science College in their opening game, followed by a closely fought encounter against Badulla Central College, where they lost by only a five point margin.
However, for these students and the school, this tournament cannot be measured by wins or losses alone. Instead, it became a symbol of confidence, independence, social acceptance and proof that they are capable.
The team, which consisted of 10 players, was overjoyed and more motivated than ever after their victory in the opening game of the tournament. While the core of the team consists of players born in 2011 and 2012, the younger members, despite being smaller in size, also contributed significantly to the team’s progress and spirit, gaining invaluable experience and exposure for future tournaments.
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