Four members of the Gozo-Greyhounds Youth Athletic Club had an early start on Sunday when they travelled to Malta to participate in the Smart City Duathlon.

The young members of the team had cycled on the roads of Gozo with organiser Louis Debattista, but they had never actually been in a race with the bikes “so they were a bit nervous, Louis said. “They did very well; I am proud of them for being the first Gozitans to do this type of race. Matt came first place and Darren second place in the age 11 to 13 category and in the age 6-10, Nathan got second place and Pamella first place in the girls.”

He added that “they were very pleased for each other on the placings, but disappointed because there were no trophies for the kids.”

Louis said that all race participants paid 5 euro each to enter, but there were only trophies in the 16 and upwards category. “For the kids the trophies are a big deal. After all the training and hard work, plus getting up early and making the effort to be there and paying the cost of the ferry, car and entry fee, it would have been nice for them to get a reward like a trophy.”

“Actually, even a certificate would have been meaningful to them, something tangible to show how well they did whenever they competed in a race.”

“It is nice to hear that clubs in Gozo are now to receive financial assistance to cover part of the travel expenses to Malta to participate in sports competitions, as well as other possible schemes for the future,” Louis commented, “Thank you Dr Buontempo and Dr Refalo.

“I just hope that is for everyone, NGOs or clubs like us that take kids who try there best to compete or train in Malta. Gozo-Greyhounds applied for EU Funding last year and spent nine months and made 6 trips to Malta and back to Gozo with my cost and time to discuss the matter at the EU office,” Louis said.

“The application did not pass, even though we are doing all this voluntarily because we believe that youngsters in Gozo need the opportunity to train and compete in sports and become the top in their field,” Louis concluded.

The Gozo Greyhounds Youth Athletic Club, based is Qala, is an NGO run by volunteers, with parents making up the committee. The young members of the club in Qala meet regularly to train in running and cycling with Louis Debattista.

For more information on the club’s activities please check out the Gozo-Greyhounds facebook page, or email on louismalti@aol.com.

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