If you have witnessed a game of cricket, you know its fans are some of the most expressive fans of any sport ever. From showing up wrapped in their respective national flags to having their body painted to adapt the jerseys of their favorite cricketer, these fans make the sport what it is today. But every now and then, there will be fans whose consistent devotion to their teams over the course of years and even decades, has inspired quite a following of its own. Today, we talk about one such fan, an 87-year-old Sri Lankan cheerleader who has just passed away.

Percy Abeysekera, popularly known as ‘ Uncle Percy’, is renowned worldwide for his loyalty to the sub-continental team. According to reports, the 87- year-old struggling with his health for quite some time and has now moved to the kingdom of heaven. Known for his cheerful nature, Percy showed his commitment to Sri Lankan cricket by being a regular feature in their games since the 2nd ever World Cup in 1979.

Percy Abeysekera- A rare cheerleader from a forgotten age

Cricket fans, especially in the Indian subcontinent are a fickle bunch.  However, ‘ Uncle Perry’ was a fan of a very different kind. He made sure he supported his team, irrespective of the outcome, a rarity in this day and age. His energy rubbed off on everyone around the stadium, often resulting in spontaneous outbursts of cheers that mimic elaborate choreographed performances.

Sri Lanka’s favorite cheerleader celebrated his 87th birthday in August earlier this year. According to Newswire,  Percy had been struggling with his health. His contribution to the nation’s cricket has also been formally acknowledged by the Sri Lankan Cricket Association who had provided Rs 5 million to support his recovery. Unfortunately, Uncle Percy did not recover from his recent bout of illness.

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Lanka’s Iconic Cheerleader

The world will always remember ‘ Uncle Percy’ as Lanka’s most iconic cheerleader. It’s rare to see any non-player receive the amount of adulation and respect Uncle Percy has been receiving. It only shows the impact he’s had on the sport and the way he’s inspired popular culture in the country.

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In tough times like the ones Sri Lanka has been going through, fans like Percy make a lot of difference. Their unwavering support gives the team the extra motivation to work hard and improve. His loss will be hard to compensate and the people of Sri Lanka will always remember him. Let us know about your favorite ‘ Uncle Percy’ moment in the comments below.

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