Sting staunch supporter of World Run Day

"It is a great way for people around the world to come together and raise money for charity", Sting, the well known singer and environmental campaigner, believes. World Run Day was founded in 1999 by Bill McDermott, a businessman and passionate marathon runner, in the USA. The vision: runners worldwide, running for charity on one special day. They run; they donate; they are part of a great global event!

The Malta Union of Teachers, the Medical Association of Malta, the Association of Physiotherapists, the Chamber of Pharmacists, the Director of Education, the Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, are all backing this year's World Run Day, being hosted in Malta by Caritas Malta on November 6.

Joanna Chetcuti, president of the Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, said: "We fully recognise the sterling work Caritas carries out and the services you provide to the community. A group of Occupational Therapists will be taking part in the fun run and we encourage other associations to do the same and be part of this worthwhile and healthy event!"

In 2004, Malta joined the rest of the world in this event for the first time. Caritas Malta successfully organised this day in collaboration with the Zurrieq Wolves Athletic Club, organisers of the Zurrieq (Malta) International Half-Marathon. This year, the half-marathon has reached its eighth edition and it has become an established event in the racing calendar, attracting foreign athletes. This race is held through the picturesque village roads of the south of Malta, offering superb land and seascapes.

Organisations, associations, companies, schools etc. are being invited to take part in various fun runs which will be taking place at the same time and place in Zurrieq. Ranging from a toddler dash for under-6s, 7-10,11-13, and a 5 km fun run open to all over 14, the event is geared to all the family.

Intercomp of Marsa have once again donated a Dell computer which will be awarded to the school/organisation raising the most funds. Last year, this prize went to Mosta Primary B, which raised over Lm1,000. Headmaster Alex Attard said: "It was with great pride that our students participated and raised such a sum for Caritas. I encourage other schools to take part in this year's event".

Every participant will receive a Lm5 voucher to be exchanged from Teamsport, Lija. Various other prizes will be raffled between all entrants raising more than Lm5 each. These include a Sony Playstation Portable, a Fuji Finepix digital camera, two Air Malta tickets to Cyprus, a Go Mobile phone, Helisureste helicopter tickets to Gozo, Island Hotels weekend breaks, meals, etc. Anyone wanting further information or applications may call Caritas Malta's Promotion Unit on 2590-6600.