47 swimmers complete Gozo-Malta race
Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas
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.
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I. Gatt
Aug 24th 2009, 08:30
Prosit Davina,
Shame about the jelly fish but well done for persisting - we are very proud of you... :-)
Il - Kugin
Joseph Calleja
Aug 22nd 2009, 22:28
Prosit and a big CONGRATULATIONS
o. zerafa gregory
Aug 22nd 2009, 18:37
All this for me was only possible through the dedication of the masters' swimming coach Isabelle Zarb and the tireless organizer Euchar Camilleri both of B'Kara St. Joseph.
Thank you guys and all the official organizations that made this possible for us to cross over. I felt very safe.
I dream when one day we will be allowed to replicate the swim of the first known long-distance Maltese swimmer, the legendary TONI BAJADA who in 1565 used to swim at night regularly between the forts in the Grand harbour during the Great Seige conveying vital military messages. This would entail a swim from fort St. Micheal, to St Angelo, to Kalkara to St. Elmo and finish at St. Micheal.
g hoare
Aug 22nd 2009, 14:31
A very well done to Mavina Magion thats 1 for the women and well done to all the swimmers and orgonizers . I am sure all the Maltese are proud of all of you for all .
God bless you All.
M.Bezzina
Aug 22nd 2009, 14:14
Good on them, well the prices the Gozo ferries are charging the Maltese, it would be very wise to follow their example and swim the crossing, probably some bright Gozitan scholar knowing these people would come up with a likly answer and that is special permits/Passport control!would cover up for the loss of revenue for the ferries. M.Bezzina from MALTA
J. Borg
Aug 22nd 2009, 14:10
Well done to the dedicated swimmers
Suggestion : can the boats "accompanying" the swimmer use oars instead of a motor - i'm sure the swimmers do not cherish the nagging noise of the motor and the smell of fuel dripping into the water.
J,Laus
Aug 22nd 2009, 14:07
We Maltese are very proud with those who participated in this event,At least we Maltese are known as usual in helping those less fortunate than us.May the Lord be with you and your families. And By the way Thanks also to the Times on Line for showing such an event nearly Live, Thanks Mr, Edotor,
natalie zerafa gregory
Aug 22nd 2009, 14:00
Prosit to the club the coach and all the swimmers.
keep up the very good work.