47 swimmers complete Gozo-Malta race

Hampered by currents and jellyfish, 47 swimmers donned their swimsuits and crossed from Gozo to Malta for charity this morning, in the annual race organised by the Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club.

First in was Davina Mangion who completed the race in one hour 35 minutes. She was closely followed by David Zammit who arrived 19 seconds later.

The race, held under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, started from Ras il-Qala in Gozo and ended Marfa, a distance of 5.5 kilometres.

Every swimmer was accompanied by a boat and the AFM’s Maritime Squadron, the police and the Civil Protection Department were in attendance.

The Gozitan Red Cross sea ambulance, and the St. James Hospital ambulance, both with a team of paramedics were also present to ensure the safety of the swimmers. Trophies were presented by the President of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, at the Riviera Barcelo’ Hotel and Spa, Austin Sammut.

The proceeds collected from this year’s challenge will go to Inspire (The Eden and Razzett Foundation).

Justin Spiteri, a client of Inspire, took part in the swim. Mr Spiteri is a very active young man who works at Mater Dei Hospital and trains on a daily basis at the Inspire Therapy and Leisure Centre in Marsaskala and at the National Pool.

Thanks to his dedication and with the support of his personal trainer Isabelle Zarb, he has already taken part in the Gozo – Malta swim three times.

Also taking part was Inspire’s CEO Nathan Farrugia, Inspire’s CEO and Kevin Borg, who together ran the 15km distance across Gozo from San Lawrence to Hondoq ir-Rummien, swam to Marfa and cycled 50km to Birzebbugia.

This “Three Islands” triathlon is the second event undertaken by Mr Farrugia and Mr Borg after the “Ironman Austria” triathlon competition held last July.