Charity underwater dive attracts generous adventurers

Over 100 novices strapped on their oxygen tanks and goggles to experience the exciting and colourful world that lies under water for the sake of adventure and charity.

Each time a new "diver" turned up at Exiles Beach in Sliema the money in the donation box bearing the words Ir-Razzett tal-Ħbiberija increased, reaching a total of €1,400 by the end of the charity fund-raising event.

Starting at 9 a.m. and running until 5 p.m., the Try Dive - organised by the Calypso Sub-Aqua Club (CSAC) with the assistance of Dive Systems that provided the equipment - attracted 137 people.

CSAC chairman Mario Azzopardi explained that the event aimed to introduce people to diving while collecting money for a good cause. Curious first timers could try a 20-minute dive, which usually cost about €30, for just €10.

They were accompanied by a qualified instructor and an experienced diver as they immersed themselves for a maximum depth of three metres.

Alexia Vella was among those who had a go at diving. "I had been waiting for an opportunity to dive and doing it for a good cause sounded perfect." Still dripping after her dive, her enthusiastic verdict was: "It's a completely different world down there... even breathing is different".

Ir-Razzett tal-Ħbiberija representative Celaine Portelli thanked the organisers for the initiative and appealed to other organisations to hold charity fund raising events. She explained that Ir-Razzett tal-Ħbiberija is a non-profit foundation that offers an array of services, free of charge, to over 1,000 persons with a disability.

Summer is a perfect time to hold events, such as the Try Dive, that allowed people to enjoy themselves while helping others, she said.

Any organisations wishing to host similar events can e-mail Ms Portelli at celainep@razzett.org or call her on 2163 6526.