The Ceylon-Born Author Who Sled For Canada!
Philanthropist and Author Sir Christopher Ondaatje who turns 92 years today, is the first Ceylon-Born Winter Olympian and was part of the Canadian Bobsled team in 1964!
Did you know that in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, there was a Ceylon born Author who took part in Bobsled? Today's fact of the day is about Sir Christopher Ondaatje, one of the members with a familiar name associated with many avid book readers!
Writing runs in the family
Born in Kandy, Ceylon on a day like this back in 1933, Sir Christopher is the older brother of the famous award winning author Michael Ondaatje. He was also among the first students of S. Thomas' College Preparatory School founded in 1938, before leaving for the UK where he then studied at Blundell's School.
Younger brother Michael Ondaatje was the Booker Prize winner in 1992
Despite hailing from a wealthy Dutch Burgher bloodline, he was left penniless due to his father being abusive and an alcoholic, and had to find a new life in Canada. Not long after he started stock brokering, he made a fortune and founded the Pagurian Press (which was later sold to the Bronfman Brothers).
Sir Christopher, a self made man by publishing books!
The Historic Gold in 1964
An adventurous man at heart, he was part of the Canadian Bobsled team that took part in the 1964 Winter Olympics. Two teams took part and he was part of the 'B' team that finished 14th place out of 18.
However, the 'A' team claimed a historic Gold medal for Canada, the first in the event and a testament to their hard work as described in the video below. He is also one of the few surviving members of that team from 51 years ago.
His Legacy
From a penniless boy to a successful entrepreneur who was awarded a Knighthood on the Queen's Birthday for his numerous philanthropic activities, especially Museums for he was a Patron of Arts, Sir Christopher has come a long way in life and has also written many books from his journeys across many countries including 'Woolf in Ceylon' and 'Man Eater of Punanai'.
Some fun facts would be that the Ondaatje Bungalow in Yala belonged to his father, which he donated and there is a road named after him as 'Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue' in NSW Australia, which hints at his philanthropic activities. He notably donated £2.75 Million to London's National Portrait Gallery and also received CBE on the Queen's Birthday in 2000. As an adventurer he so has an Award in his name presented every year for Exploration by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
His journey has been nothing but enjoying the moment, taking risks and giving back, so here's to wishing Sir Christopher on his 92nd birthday today!