The Birth of MoraSpirit
For those unfamiliar with MoraSpirit, let’s take a moment to dive into its inspiring journey. MoraSpirit, founded in 2009, began as a visionary initiative by a group of undergraduates from the University of Moratuwa. Their mission was to empower university sports in Sri Lanka, a realm often overlooked despite its immense potential. Spearheaded by the innovative minds of Heminda Jayaweera and Dilanka Chintana Jayasundara, MoraSpirit quickly evolved into a vibrant platform providing comprehensive media coverage and unparalleled support for university-level sports. Over the past 15 years, MoraSpirit has become a beacon of inspiration, championing a culture of pride and passion in sports not only within universities in Sri Lanka but also extending its influence far beyond, fostering a dynamic and inclusive sporting environment.
SiGo’s connection with MoraSpirit
The year 2009 marked a turning point for Sri Lanka, as the 30-year civil war came to an end in May. Among the early signs of hope and unity was the University of Jaffna’s track and field team embarking on a remarkable journey to the capital. It was the first trip to Colombo for many of us, a gruelling 18-hour odyssey over bumpy roads from Jaffna to Colombo. Despite the challenges of post-war life, including limited resources and facilities in Jaffna, we made it. Some of us didn’t even have proper shoes or spikes for this national-level competition, but we managed by borrowing or purchasing spikes upon reaching Colombo.
In those days, capturing memories wasn’t as easy as today. Smartphones with cameras were a rarity, and professional cameras were even rarer. I still recall seeing a few individuals equipped with Canon cameras and high-end mobile phones, diligently covering the event. Intrigued, we approached them and asked if they could capture some high-quality photos of our performances. Their willingness and enthusiasm to include us in their coverage left an indelible mark on me. Seeing those photos now, 15 years later, evokes deep nostalgia, taking us back to one of the most meaningful moments of our sporting lives – Thank you, MoraSpirit!
“True satisfaction and joy come from the act of volunteering”
Gobinath Sivarajah
That encounter introduced me to MoraSpirit. Inspired by their dedication, I reached out to some of the MoraSpirit team to learn more about their work. What struck me most was their spirit of volunteerism. MoraSpirit wasn’t just about media coverage—it was about building a movement. Over the years, they expanded their reach across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, growing their pillars of engagement and attracting more University of Moratuwa undergraduates to join as volunteers.
I was honoured to contribute in my own way. At the invitation of MoraSpirit editors, I wrote a couple of articles for their platform. Whenever competitions were held at the University of Jaffna, I gladly provided accommodations at my home for visiting MoraSpirit members. This collaboration symbolized more than just sports—it was a testament to solidarity. Despite the scars of war and the differences we carried, we chose to grow together, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
MoraSpirit not only bridged the gap between universities but also served as a reminder of how sports transcend boundaries and unite us in a shared purpose. Looking back, it’s heartwarming to see how those early connections continue to inspire and uplift us today.
Jaffnaz Roar – A Model of Failure and Learning
Inspired by MoraSpirit’s success, I envisioned creating a similar platform to celebrate and promote sports at the University of Jaffna. Fueled by this ambition, I gathered a group of enthusiastic undergraduates and organized a preliminary discussion to chart the way forward. Together, we conceptualized and launched a brand called Jaffnaz Roar. The launch event, held at the Physical Education Unit of the University of Jaffna on 10 February 2016, was met with great enthusiasm, supported by the blessing of the Unit’s Director and staff.
Jaffnaz Roar set out to shine a spotlight on local university events, provide visibility to the university’s athletes, and build a sense of pride within the sporting community. One of the highlights of this journey was the publication of a vibrant sports magazine under the Jaffnaz Roar banner. With a generous sponsorship of LKR 40,000 from a friend based in the United Kingdom, we brought the magazine to life. The financial backing wasn’t the challenge—there were always people willing to step in and support this cause.
However, as the initiative grew, I sought official recognition and support from the university. I approached the Vice-Chancellor to formalize Jaffnaz Roar under the university’s banner, hoping for institutional backing to ensure its sustainability. Unfortunately, the response was far from encouraging. Sports promotion wasn’t seen as a priority by the university administration, and the lack of support was disheartening.
Despite its initial promise and the passion of everyone involved, Jaffnaz Roar could not achieve its full potential. This experience was a harsh but valuable lesson in navigating institutional bureaucracy and understanding the systemic challenges of promoting sports in under-resourced regions.
While Jaffnaz Roar may not have endured, its spirit and the memories it created continue to inspire. It taught us the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the need to advocate for the value of sports at every level of society. Failure is, after all, a stepping stone to future successes, and Jaffnaz Roar remains a significant chapter in my journey of learning and growth.
Journey with MoraSpirit
When my idea for Jaffnaz Roar didn’t resonate with the University of Jaffna’s administration, I redirected my energy toward supporting MoraSpirit, recognizing the incredible work they were already doing. Their dedication to empowering university sports was inspiring, and I saw an opportunity to extend their impact even further.
As I began my role as Marketing and Media Manager at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Sri Lanka, it became clear that MoraSpirit could play a pivotal role in transforming the NOC’s media presence. The NOC Sri Lanka media operations were running with limited resources and support, and MoraSpirit’s volunteer-driven ethos aligned perfectly with the organization’s values.
To build trust with the NOC, I initially involved MoraSpirit volunteers in smaller projects, such as one-day indoor events and article writing. Their professionalism, creativity, and commitment quickly impressed everyone. This success led to greater responsibilities and a series of significant collaborations where MoraSpirit handled complete media coverage for major national and international events. Here are some of the notable projects MoraSpirit collaboratively worked together with the NOC:
- Queen’s Baton Relay – Colombo, Kandy, Bogawantalawa 2022
- Olympic Day Celebrations – Colombo 2022
- Commonwealth Games – Birmingham 2022
- Asian Games Fun Run – Port City 2023
- Olympic Day Celebrations – Colombo 2023
- Commonwealth Youth Games – Trinbago 2023
- Asian Games – Hangzhou 2022
- Olympic Day Celebrations – Digana 2024
- Olympic Games – Paris 2024
For these events, MoraSpirit delivered comprehensive media solutions, including photography, videography, live-streaming, article writing, and the design of social media posters, banners and other kits. For international games such as the Asian Games and Olympic Games, MoraSpirit served as the official media partner, providing exceptional social media coverage.
It is praiseworthy to note that the Queen’s Baton Relay spanned three locations over three days, showcasing exceptional collaboration among university sports media teams. MoraSpirit seamlessly coordinated efforts with Perabeats from the University of Peradeniya and J’pura Flames from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. This teamwork exemplified the unity and collective passion of Sri Lanka’s university sports community, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality coverage of this prestigious event.
Their contributions have been transformative, not only enhancing the visibility and professionalism of the NOC’s media presence but also showcasing the immense potential of volunteer-driven organizations. MoraSpirit’s journey from university-level sports coverage to becoming a trusted media partner for global events is a testament to their dedication, adaptability, and passion for sports.
This collaboration has been deeply rewarding, as it underscores the power of shared vision and collective effort. MoraSpirit continues to inspire the sporting community, proving that with commitment and teamwork, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized.
Recognition of Non-Mora SiGo
A truly humbling and proud moment in my journey with MoraSpirit came during their 14th-anniversary celebration in 2023 when I was recognized by its founders. Heminda Jayaweera, one of the visionaries behind MoraSpirit, announced my appointment as Senior Advisor to the organization. For a graduate of the University of Jaffna to be honoured by one of Sri Lanka’s leading university media platforms was a moment of immense pride, symbolizing the unifying power of sports.
While I am deeply grateful to the MoraSpirit community, I continue to contribute not only through my knowledge but also by fostering global connections. By linking MoraSpirit with sports managers from various countries, I aim to strengthen collaborations and expand its reach, further enhancing its impact on the sporting world.
In conclusion, MoraSpirit’s journey over the past 15 years is a testament to the transformative power of passion, volunteerism, and resilience. From empowering university sports to becoming a trusted partner in national and international events, MoraSpirit has shown how dedication can create a lasting impact. My own journey with MoraSpirit, from nostalgic beginnings to meaningful collaborations, highlights the power of unity and shared purpose in overcoming challenges. MoraSpirit’s evolution from a campus initiative to a beacon of sporting excellence inspires us all to dream big, work together, and leave a legacy that transcends boundaries, fostering a stronger, more connected sporting community.
Author: SiGo I Sunday, November 17, 2024
SiGoSport 
Congratulations to MoraSpirit on 15 years of excellence. Wishing continued success!
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