National sprints team in Gozo training camp

Athletics Malta, in conjunction with Kunsill Malti għall-Isport, the Maltese Olympic Committee and the Ministry for Gozo, have just established a National Athletics Development Programme (NADP) with the aim to promote the sport and widen selection options ahead of international competitions.

The project is also intended to identify new talent and further develop the athletics national team.

This programme is being coordinated by sprints coach Mario Bonello, well-known in local sports circles for his exploits on the track.

At present, NADP personnel are conducting their first activity in Gozo, a training camp for the sprints national team.

The main focus will be to unearth prospective athletes, those with enough potential and ready to practise hard to hone their skills.

Being together sees athletes increase their motivation levels and team-work, helping raise the performance bar higher.

The training camp in Gozo is the first in a series of similar activities planned for the new season.

Training is being held at the ITS Centre, in Qala, and the Sannat Lions football ground.

Sessions are jointly conducted by Antonio Laguardia, a former Italy sprints head coach and Bonello.

In future, NADP (NADPmalta@gmail.com) will also hold similar training camps abroad.