A quick snap before the starting gun is fired. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA record number of people yesterday ran or walked in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund in the President’s sixth Solidarity Fun Run.
While the run proper left from San Anton Palace, walkers were given a choice of three routes – from Paola Square, Santa Venera or the University – all converging on Blata l-Bajda to arrive at the Palace in Valletta together.
Earlier this month, former Labour candidate Robert Henry Bugeja posted a series of online comments urging the public not to donate to the President’s annual fundraiser, L-Istrina.
But yesterday saw the biggest participation so far in the run, sponsored by Banif Bank, with 16,000 people taking part for a €10 donation.
Runners set off from San Anton Gardens; walkers had three starting points to chose from. Right: President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca embraces Italian footballer Toto Schillaci after the event finished. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli
Photo: Matthew MirabelliApart from Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, those who took part in this year’s show of solidarity included Italian World Cup star Toto Schillaci and Francesco Mariottini, an Italian dancer from Italian television show Amici.
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca walked from the University while President Emeritus George Abela, who launched the fun run six years ago, joined the runners from San Anton.
Ms Coleiro Preca thanked the Maltese and Gozitans for the stronger show of solidarity.
She said she did not have enough words to thank the people for supporting the fund, which spent €230,000 every four weeks, €200,000 of which covered specialised chemotherapy for cancer patients.
A purple crowd waited in St George’s Square. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli