Annual Road Race 2016

The Royal College Doctors Association  (RCDA), completed it’s 1st major project for the calendar year 2016 by successfully screening the fitness of athletes of the school who participated in the annual road race. The Royal College fitness run, popularly known as the “Road Race” over the decades captured the enthusiasm and ignited the excitement of all Royalists striving hard for their respective houses. Every student aspires to complete the set 3 mile run through the perimeter boulevard of his alma  mater; earning a point on behalf of his house and contributing to the victory of his house.
The unforeseen fatal incidents at such events in the past prompted the government to call for a comprehensive dependable screening strategy,Anchor  for students taking part in such physical activities.
Foreseeing the importance of such a strategyas the call of the hour RCDA geared with specialists of various clinical fields, in using the of sports medicine, painstakingly and meticulously set about developing a protocol for a comprehensive fitness screening programme.  This was later adopted by government of Sri Lanka for screening purposes for events of similar nature throughout the country with effect from 2016.
Having screened a formidable  numberof students amounting to 1200 (Grade 6 upwards ) previously registered in the programme, Each student was closely examined along with a recent ECG.
The Doctors of the RCDA  detected 32 students  with abnormalities in their  ECG along with students with elevated blood pressure needing further investigations.
A Consultant  cardiologistwas available  on site through out the programme providing the team with valuable advice while arrangements were made for follow up and further  management.
Despite  successfullycompleting an effective screening programme of a large  scale for the  past 4 years.; the Doctors of theRCDA were not at rest. The Doctors stood at hand through out the ROAD RACE vigilant of any problems  needing urgent attention. Squadron of Ambulance carrying Doctors trained in critical care monitored the participants closely ready to attendant code red.  Another team stationed  at the grounds attended to those fatigued, exhausted with Cramps and minor bruises.
Fortunately nocritical  incidents were noted; Largely due to commendable efforts of the doctors.
The RCDA wishes to convey it’s gratitude  to Mr B.A.Abeyratne The principal of Royal College, Dr AjithTennakoon the president  of RCDA for their invaluable guidance and encouragement.  Finally a special word of thanks to Dr TharifZanoonspearheaded the event on behalf of RCDA along with the school  authoritiesmade a relentless  effort to make an event of this magnitude a success.
Thank you
RCDA