Merchants Street in Valletta yesterday came alive with the chatter and laughter of children as they waited impatiently to start their run.
Around 30 children with different social backgrounds, aged between six and 13, took part in the first YMCA Kids' Fun Run in Valletta.
Organised from start to finish by the children themselves, they entered against a voluntary fee of €5 which went towards the YMCA Homeless.
Starting near the Auberge d'Italie, the children ran down Merchants Street, turned off North Street, up Republic Street and down Archbishop's Street and back to Merchants Street.
At the end of the run, a number of prizes and certificates were presented by Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli and police superintendent Alexandra Mamo. Supt. Mamo said she was impressed by the level of organisation: "They even gave me a map of their route, something most organisers never do."
Wearing red sports shoes, leaders Jurgen Briffa and Jean-Paul Mifsud said they enjoyed organising the run and promised to do it again next year.
Mr Briffa said the aim behind the initiative was to raise money for people who did not have a roof over their heads.
The children made arrangements for first aid by engaging St John Ambulance, called the sponsors themselves, and even created a website for the event (www.freewebs.com/ymcakidsfunrun/index.htm).
YMCA is also organising a jumble sale from tomorrow until Friday at the YMCA Homeless Drop In Centre in Merchants Street, Valletta. A concert in aid of the YMCA by Maltese rock band Explicit will be held on Friday at Poxx Bar in Paceville at 10 p.m.
www.ymcahomeless.org