Coach to attempt world record in non-stop bowling

Giancarlo Tolu, national bowling coach for juniors, is attempting to beat the world record of 55 hours and 16 minutes by bowling non-stop for over 60 hours in aid of Special Olympics (Malta).

Mr Tolu, an Italian who has been living on the island for the past 12 years and considers himself Maltese, will start this challenging feat at the Eden Super Bowl, St George's Bay, tomorrow at 7.30 a.m.

The current record was set by Austrian Christian Hofer in South Africa last March and Mr Tolu is determined to go beyond this mark and hopefully bowl until late Sunday evening.

He began planning his shot at the record back in December when he approached Neil Dent, Super Bowl general manager, with the idea.

"I know Giancarlo to be a dedicated and extremely determined person by nature and so I immediately agreed to collaborate with him in this incredible venture," Mr Dent said.

Mr Tolu immediately began a tough training regime including weekly 16-hour sessions of endurance bowling, a gruelling programme of physical training and a drastic change in his diet to ensure he would achieve optimum physical and mental fitness.

He plans to keep going without any sleep and a mere 15-minute break every eight hours by eating a diet of carbohydrates and protein to keep his energy levels up - speck and white bread, coupled with lentils, will be on the menu.

Having been a bowling coach for the past nine years, Mr Tolu has spent countless hours training an enthusiastic squad of bowlers with physical disabilities, in collaboration with the Special Olympics.

Through the involvement of Special Olympics the three-day event is set to become of a bowling bonanza, as a host of Special Olympics athletes will be playing alongside Mr Tolu for the entire marathon.

About 12-15 athletes with intellectual disabilities will be keeping Mr Tolu company during the tough moments by taking it in turns to bowl continuously for over 30 minutes.

The public can also take part in the event and help a good cause by visiting the Super Bowl at any time, day or night, during the course of the record attempt and "challenge" Mr Tolu to a game, in the hope of winning a prize if they notch up the highest game.

"My greatest challenge is keeping my mind busy during such a long and tiring effort so I urge the public to come down to the Super Bowl over the weekend and keep me company. Who knows, maybe they can walk away with a prize if they manage to score a high game," Mr Tolu said.

For more details call the Super Bowl on 2138 7398.