Having extended its logistical support for this year’s Alive2016 Cycling Challenge, Express Trailers last week announced a three-year support agreement with three of the country’s leading sports clubs – Żurrieq Wolves Athletics Club, Mellieħa Athletics Clubs and Mosta Cycling Club.
“Our company’s operations are mainly based on road transport,” Franco Azzopardi, chairman and CEO of Express Trailers, said during a news conference.
“We have a network of operations across all of mainland Europe but the start and finish of each delivery occurs on Maltese roads.
“Therefore, although we are carrying out an important job of transporting food, pharma and cargo for the ultimate benefit and consumption of the local market, we also acknowledge that our fleet of trucks and trailers put a burden on all the other road users, especially the more vulnerable ones such as runners and cyclists.
“Our sponsorship towards these clubs, whose competitions take place on our roads, seeks to redress the balance.”
Clifton Caruana, on behalf of Żurrieq Wolves AC, explained how Express Trailers’ sponsorship covers the annual organisation of the Żurrieq Half-Marathon, 10km Run and 10km Walk every November.
“Up to four years ago, our event, held annually in November, used to attract about 130 athletes,” Caruana said.
“In the three years that followed, Express Trailers’ support fostered further interest in the races.
“All this enhanced our events and last year’s 18th edition saw the participation of 1000 athletes – a milestone which is a source of great pride and satisfaction for us.”
Ivan Cassar, president of Mellieħa AC, said: “We are one of the leading clubs in Malta when it comes to road running, given the number of top-ranking athletes on our books, and also through the good number of club members participating in local road races.”
Thanking Express Trailers for their valuable assistance, club secretary Edward Enriquez said that Mosta CC, the oldest cycling club in Malta, are now also involved in triathlon following their affiliation with the Malta Triathlon Federation last year.
“We are delighted that Express Trailers chose to support us through their door-to-door delivery brand ShipLowCost.com,” Enriquez said.
“This brand will be the main sponsor of the club’s triathlon section. The sponsorship will not only finance the design and purchase of new triathlon suits, it will also help us organise our forthcoming triathlon races.”