At the three-day SAISA Swimming 2025 Meet, The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) turned sport into service, raising LKR 1.1 million for the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS). OSC’s Gecko Gear Service Group ran a merchandise stall throughout the tournament, channelling student energy into community support.

Founded in 1831, CFINS is Sri Lanka’s oldest charitable organisation, providing free prosthetic limbs to those affected by landmines, accidents, or illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and vascular diseases. The organisation also offers a 30-bed ward, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, psychological support, educational grants, and entrepreneurial training.

The SAISA Opening Ceremony featured 21-year-old Sri Lankan Paralympian Naveed Raheem, CFINS Brand Ambassador, who represented Sri Lanka at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and the 2025 Para Swimming World Championships. He said, “As a para-athlete in Sri Lanka, there’s still a stigma and poor perception compared to the rest of the world – and we want to change that. Partnering with OSC is a pleasure. There aren’t many competitions or proper facilities for para-athletes here, and we need more organisations to take action.” He credited the National Paralympic Committee: “Without them, I would never have had the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka. They bring differently abled people together and show that ability comes in many forms.”

Sue Turner, OSC educator and Gecko Gear founder, said, “Since Grade 12 student Aran introduced CFINS, our team visited their facilities and was inspired. Running the SAISA stall let students contribute and raise awareness.” Dr. David Poulus, OSC Service Coordinator, added, “Aran’s passion inspired this collaboration, and we are thrilled to donate all proceeds. We hope this is the start of a lasting partnership.”

Supem D. S. de Silva, Immediate Past President of CFINS, noted, “CFINS provides prosthetic limbs free of charge. Everything – from accommodation to meals and rehabilitation – is free. Partnering with OSC engages youth and helps break stigmas surrounding prosthetic users.” Jadyn de Silva, Chair of the CFINS Youth Council, said, “Through OSC, more youth can join our Council, run volunteer projects and mobile health camps, and explore overseas collaborations for inclusion.”

Students Tarun Malalasekera and Aran Eassuwaren played pivotal roles. Tarun, a Grade 9 Gecko Gear Service Leader, said, “It’s inspiring to see OSC using its platform to support CFINS. Seeing the impact shows how awareness and compassion create real change.” Aran, 17, reflected, “Visiting CFINS changed my perspective. Seeing the need firsthand motivated me to bring OSC on board, and this partnership is just the beginning – there’s much more we can achieve together.”

Gecko Gear’s initiative funded 22 prosthetic limbs. Naveed concluded, “Using a prosthetic limb is nothing to be ashamed of. Being differently abled does not mean being unable – it means having the strength to do extraordinary things that even ‘normal people’ often cannot.”

OSC demonstrates that when youth lead with empathy, every stroke, sale, and act of kindness can ripple far beyond the pool – changing lives, breaking barriers, and inspiring hope.