Gozo-Malta open water channel swim

Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club will be organising their annual Gozo-Malta open water channel swim on August 23 at 8 a.m. Besides being a race in itself, this event is also aimed at people who relish a challenge.

Open water long distance swimming events are synonymous with Birkirkara St Joseph, having in the past organised the round Malta swim twice, Gozo to Marsascala twice, round Gozo twice, round Comino and an annual series of open water 2 kilometre swims.

Club distance swimmer Keith Bartolo is undergoing intense preparations in his quest to cross the English Channel in 2010.

The Gozo-Malta race route will again be from Ras il-Qala, next to il-Ġebla tal-Ħalfa, to Marfa over a distance of 5.5 kilometres. All the participating swimmers will be accompanied by a boat throughout the whole event. The route will be closed for maritime traffic for the duration of the race.

As it has done in the past, Birkirkara St Joseph has teamed up with ir-Razzett tal-Ħbiberija to raise funds during this unique event.

Entry forms are to be forwarded to Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club by not later than August 18. Further information is available on the club's website, www.bkarastjoseph.com, or on telephone numbers 9946-6256 and 7983-9391.