St Patrick's AC go for a tri

Promoting sport as a way of life has long been held as St Patrick's AC main objective. The club isn't simply about winning races - important as this undoubtedly is - but it also wants to attract people to sport irrespective of their abilities. It is this philosophy that has seen the Saints grow into one of the leading athletics clubs on the island.

Traditionally, and as its name suggests, running was the main focus but in recent months the club has also set up a cycling section to cater for a growing group of enthusiasts in this particular sport. This section immediately got off to an excellent start when interest for a cycling tour of Sicily exceeded expectations. Plans are already in the pipeline for a similar trip.

Indeed, such was the success of that section, that it has now been agreed to set up a triathlon branch.

"We have long had requests to organise a triathlon section," club president Antoine Attard explained.

"There are also a number of triathletes such as Danica Bonello Spiteri, George Vella and Michael Gellel who are already members of the club. So, triathlon was an obvious choice for us to continue expanding our services to those out there who are adventurous and look for new challenges."

Those views are echoed by club secretary Cyprian Dalli, a triathlete himself who will be heading the section.

"The main aim is to parallel St Patrick's AC mission statement which is that of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sport," he said.

"As regards participation in triathlon, a two-way strategy is planned: to get existing St Patrick's AC members to participate in triathlon, especially in the running off-season, and to get unattached triathletes to join our ranks."

The Saints' initiative has the full support of the Malta Triathlon Association, as its president Manuel Azzopardi confirmed.

"It's very exciting news that one of the leading running clubs in Malta is proposing to set up a triathlon section within its framework," he said.

"We see this as a major step forward in our drive to draw more people to triathlon. We do not want to poach athletes because we see triathlon as complimentary to other sport rather than as edging them out."

The first event of the St Patrick's AC triathlon section will be Try a Tri, an informative talk at the club house in Gudja today at 7.30 p.m. The activity is open to anyone interested in getting to know more about triathlon.

Current national triathlon champions Danica Bonello Spiteri and Dermot Galea will conduct the talk. Both will focus on the basic needs and training required to successful complete and finish a race.

Further information may be obtained by visiting the club's website www.stpatricksac.info.