Q: Could you outline TASS’ journey since its inception?
A: TASS began as an interim programme in 2014, during the transition from my bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science, and master’s degree in physiotherapy that was scheduled to begin in March 2015.
It traces its roots to my individual training sessions for people under a single tree at Independence Square, much to the dis- pleasure of the security guards.
I was quite passionate about building a healthy community, and have always been driven towards academy sports planning and training in Sri Lanka, which continues to be difficult to find.
Having pushed back my master’s for a year, I launched both a recreation and sports science programme, with the intention of building a community for recreation and exercise, and at the same time, providing an academy setting for sports planning, strength and conditioning, and injury rehabilitation, which was the speciality that I pursued in Australia and Scotland.
TASS is the only privately owned sports and exercise science company in the country. Its success has been the result of our amazing and able multidimensional team, comprising sports scientists, physiotherapists and fitness professionals including sportspersons who have represented the country.
The team is qualified in the field of sports and exercise, enabling us to cater to a variety of individuals and corporates. Our services range from training for kids (ages 5 to 12), developing athletes (ages 12 to 17), semiprofessionals and professionals over 17 years of age, recreational communities, pre and postnatal groups, ageing groups, clinical injury rehabilitation, the differently abled, as well as sports and exercise research for premium brands.
Q: What strategies do you employ to stay ahead?
A: We have a few different strategies for each of our sectors. For recreation, it’s about building a community of like-minded and motivated people, who can share their experiences and positivity among the TASS community.
In sports, it is about building academies, and sharing the vast knowledge in sports science, periodisation, planning and recovery with the coaches and sports administrators to establish a lasting plan for Sri Lankan sports.
Although slower, this is more sustainable and credible, rather than being ad hoc and temporary.
Physiotherapy is an ever evolving field especially in postoperative and sports injury prevention and management; and our strategy is to bring in the newer and more effective methods of recovery through active exercise processes.
Q: And what role does your sector have to play in the post-COVID environment?
A: In the recreation sector, there are a few preliminary studies that suggest that being healthy assists individuals to handle the COVID situation better in comparison to a person with health complications.
Therefore, sharing the benefits of healthy living in terms of diet, exercise and recovery rather than only aesthetics as mentioned above might be the best possible approach as professionals in the field to be a positive part of the present situation.
Q: In your opinion, what is unique about TASS?
A: TASS is the only place where a whole family ranging between five and 70 plus years can join and obtain the benefits of a scientific, experienced and knowledgeable team of professionals.
This could be in terms of fundamental movement skills for kids, sports development for young budding athletes, sports performance for sub-elite and elite athletes, recreational training for the corporate community, pre and postnatal exercise, special programmes for the ageing population, and postoperative and injury preventive and management methods including rehabilitation for all ages.
In short, TASS is a one stop shop for the entire family.