We are extremely proud of our Year 13 student Dinuk D-S who completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games later this week. Dinuk carried the baton through Dartmouth Park in West Bromwich on Monday 25th July 2022. Spectators cheered him on along the route.
In February, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee asked us to nominate students who have made a meaningful contribution to sport and have an inspiring story to tell. This is Dinuk’s story:
From the age of 2 years, Dinuk showed an interest in tennis and starting playing from a young age. He spent 8 years practising daily and improving his technique. At the age of 10 years, this time commitment became difficult as Dinuk was preparing for his 11+ exam and had to attend tutoring sessions. It was time to pick a new sport and being the grandson of a Sri Lankan cricketer and son of a professional cricket player, Dinuk naturally followed in their footsteps.
His cricket career started at the age of 10 years. For 3 years he trialed for the county team and enjoyed success at the age of 14. Since then he has played for Warwickshire U14, Warwickshire U17 and currently plays for Derby’s U18 team. His commitment to his team involves him training weekly from 7:30pm – 9:30pm (enduring a 2 hour round trip to and from the training ground). In addition to this, he trains at the local net centre 4 times a week. His sport has also given him the opportunity to travel to Barbados for a tournament. He is an inspiration to others. He has run summer camps for 9 – 12 year olds. In school, he has set up a Sports Society for other sportsmen and women. He is working with them on the Psychology of Sport – how to deal with set-backs and bouncing back.
A truly inspirational young man who gives 100% to his sport without letting his commitment to his A level studies slip.
