The 2009 edition of the World Athletics Day witnessed an exceptional turn-out for a two-day meeting to commemorate the sport among schools.

Athletics Malta was assisted in no small way through the provision by the International Federation of Athletics Associa-tions (IAAF) of promotional material.

Through the sterling service rendered by the Sports Promotion Unit, Athletics Malta ensured that all schools in Malta could fit in the meet within their programmes of outdoor activities.

A total of 31 educational establishments took part over the two days, varying in numbers but not in enthusiasm. This year a team award system was also introduced, helping to keep the competition a lot keener and hard fought up till the last events, the popular relays.

On the first day the girls' entry numbered 166 while that of the boys was more numerous at 181.

By the end of the last event, when presentation of cups to the top three in each event was performed, the Sta Theresa College for girls were declared winners of the team event, with the corresponding winners for the boys being Savio College.

Sta Margerita College Verdala Boys and St Benedict College Boys Kirkop tied for the second spot as St Edward's College was edged out by a mere point.

St Dorothy's School for girls and Sta Monica finished in second and third places. Incidentally, both teams also finished in the same two places in the following day's events.

On this occasion Sta Monica shared their honours with St Martin's.

The top-most colleges on the second day, with 21 schools and 312 school children combined taking part, were the excellently-prepared teams of St Aloysius College and St Clare's College for girls.

The team events for boys saw yet again Sta Margerita College Verdala claiming the team cup for second place with St Martin's finishing third, not to be outdone by their girls' team. However, on this occasion, they did not have to share their podium places.

Athletics Malta presented attractive shields made for the occasion to the four team winners, to be kept annually, confident that the outstanding success, enjoyment and involvement of so many children would be eagerly anticipated in the years to come.

The weekend of the National Championships was the other day set for the events earmarked for 16- and 17-year-olds and this year the entry was also quite encouraging, even though some events clashed with the academic responsibilities - exams - that most of these youngsters had to attend to.

Nevertheless, 13 boys and nine girls did manage to juggle their duties with their love of the sport to make Athletics Malta content that the World Athletics Day had been well and truly commemorated.