The day started early again, with the now familiar sight of breakfast at 7.00am, after which the team split up. Emma, Louisa, Andy and Sam caught the local rackety bus to Ihalagalagama, leaving Laura B, Laura S, AJ and myself to take care of university proceedings at SabaragamuwaAs the local school project in Belihuloya was agreed to take place on alternate days, the team in the university did not get split further, leaving the luxury of 4 intellectual sporting brains in charge of the sport degree students’ fitness program at 7.30am! After a warm up of high knees, high heels, short jogging and dynamic and static stretching I was pounced upon by the sports director to identify participating muscles for the benefit of the students (testing times for me too!). The group was now ready for some intense circuit training which, to our satisfaction, was requested by some students following the previous day’s success. Despite limited facilities and equipment we were once again able to develop some innovative and demanding stations (helped by the equipment we brought) to accommodate the 50 odd students that were present. The success of this session was evident on the panting faces of the students and was testament to the encouragement of our team at each station! After a well earned rest the students took part in a less demanding volleyball rules/refereeing lesson led by their teacher, with assistance provided by the Team Durham members.

Even before today, the team had noticed the incredible determination and desire of Sabaragamuwa University students to learn sport-specific skills and make use of our coaching abilities. Once again the students showed their passion to learn by demanding a netball coaching session directly after their volleyball lesson, and the Team Durham team was more than happy to help. Not for the first time on this project so far, the team were pleasantly surprised at the standard of these students (in what seems to be every sport they play!). Drills were carried out by AJ and Laura S due to their netballing experience!

Following the return of the other group from Ihalagalagama village in the early afternoon, we were able to listen to their stories. It was especially pleasing to hear that the equipment we brought with us to Sri Lanka (e.g the cricket sets) were adored by the children in the village and that the team had a fun-filled day of relay races, cricket, volleyball and tea parties! Further highlights of their day were the presentation of beautiful hand-painted crowns from students as a sign of appreciation and friendship. It is incredible how every day in Ihalagalagama gets better and better!