MAAA shifts focus to Gozo

Concurrent with the Strategies for Success seminar, during which the Malta Amateur Athletic Association spelled out its intentions to intensify athletic awareness among children, the equally successful 'Star Trek' manifestation in mid-April saw the inauguration of the action plan, approved by the European Athletics Association and skilfully directed by national coaching coordinator Geoff Ward.

Witness to the success of this initiative were the 300-odd youngsters who in rotation spent a pleasant afternoon trying out sprints, hurdles and walking among other events at Marsa.

The MAAA had intended to extend this programme to Gozo by the end of June but this initiative had to be postponed. This event will now take place on Saturday at the Gozo Sports Complex. Registration starts at 9.30 a.m. when each child will be allocated a number and assigned to a group according to age.

Looking after each category will be qualified coaches and seasoned athletes. All events will rotate every 20 minutes and consist of throwing special rubber javelins, triple jumps on mats, seated throws, a high jump and relays.

The programme should be over by noon.

Gozo 10km

Saturday also marks the start of the MAAA winter season. The familiar Gozo five-mile race this year will see a modification in that the distance has now become 10kms and the event is also valid for the road-running league.

The MAAA effected this change due to a significant number of senior athletes who only had the opportunity to register their best three times in as many races, not affording to miss out on any.

During the same afternoon, the Intermediate, Youth and Cadet categories will compete in their own 3km event, which, however, will not count towards their final league classification.

The 10km race starts and finishes at St Francis Square, Victoria, at 3 p.m. The shorter race gets underway at 2.30 p.m. One may obtain more details by phoning 21-423834 (e-mail - maaa@global.net.mt).