Clive Casha, Clyde Cutajar, Dennis Thornton and Jose Mariano Rodriguez Schraner, who hail from different regatta clubs, are in Italy for a training camp which serves as build-up to the Memorial Paolo d’Aloja regatta, in Piediluco.

Through this experience, the four rowers will be in a better position to gain an insight into the training methods adopted by other countries and practise the sport in boats used for international competitions.

The training camp was made possible through the support of the Maltese Olympic Committee, the Italian Rowing Federation and the Memorial Paolo d’Aloja regatta organisers.

Coach Roderick Attard, who is with the team in Italy, said local clubs have stepped up their training when it comes to fitness and technique.

“This is the right way to go... it’s only fair that our rowers have more opportunities than just two events in a year. There is a lot to learn about Olympic rowing and as a team we are up for this new challenge.”

Joseph Grima, Maltese Rowing Association president, said his organisation is keen to introduce Olympic-style rowing and make the sport more mainstream and practised by a wider sector of the population.

“If more athletes from different localities start practising this sport, we can guarantee a better future for the national regatta and ensure its long-term sustain-ability,” Prof. Grima said.

“Rowing is the oldest team sport practised on our islands.

“So, we want to ensure that rowing continues to flourish and becomes our national sport. Our islands have an excellent potential to become an organiser of international rowing competitions or to host winter training camps.

“This will make our sport more popular among the Maltese.”

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