Canoeing a hit with Stella Maris students

Stella Maris College has teamed up with the Malta Canoe Racing Club (MCRC), offering students a chance to practise kayaking as an alternative form of physical education.

In September 2009, the MCRC commenced a trainers' course for teachers, certifying them as placid water coaches.

The programme covered basic techniques as well as safety issues related to the sport.

Currently, a series of taster sessions are being conducted by the Stella Maris coaches to cope with the high demand from eager students who would like to give the sport a try.

The equipment being used is specifically designed for youngsters between the ages of 11 and 13. The kayaks and paddles are lighter and smaller than typical equipment which would otherwise be too cumbersome for beginners to handle.

Club president Chris Camilleri reckons the future is bright for the sport.

"We are delighted to have Stella Maris on board with us," he said.

"This is the future of our sport. If we do not invest in athletes from a grassroot level, this sport will be limited to a few keen athletes."

Camilleri said the club is now looking to extend this pilot project to other schools, particularly girls' schools due to the current lack of female participation in canoeing.

"Through such initiatives, it is anticipated that the number of local youths practising canoe sport would double in two years' time," he said.