On Sunday, the seventh edition of the OASI Cup Run & Fun Walk, was organised by the OASI Foundation, after last year’s event due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The OASI Foundation said that it “strongly believes that sports is scientifically proven to be a healthy way to improve mental health, to relax, to improve self-confidence and socialise. This, in turn, enhances the probability of keeping substance use at bay, while also promoting addiction recovery.”
This year’s event proved to be a great success and was well received by a number of amateur and professional athletes who participated in the 10K run, 4.5K walk, and three children’s runs which covered children aged between four to twelve.
The Bishop of Gozo Mgr. Anton Teuma, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, Minister for Education Dr Justyne Caruana, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights Dr Anton Refalo, Dr Kevin Cutajar, Claudette Buttigieg and Dr Joseph Ellis participated in the event.
The Foundation said that all of them passed on positive messages to those present by commenting on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, whilst thanking the OASI Foundation for contributing towards social awareness.
The message “prevention is better than cure” was also highlighted. Noel Xerri, Chief Executive of the OASI Foundation, thanked all the sponsors and participants of the event, who support the Foundation to continue making positive change in the Maltese and Gozitan society.
OASI said, “naturally this event could not have been successful without the guidance of the Athletic AC Gozo and the contribution of the Ministry for Gozo, HOG, RE/MAX, H2Only and Magri Cycles.”
Additionally, the OASI Cup Run & Fun Walk thanked Mr Lelio Spiteri, Mr Paul Scicluna, Ms Miriam Camilleri – O’Hair, as well as all the OASI volunteers and staff for their dedication and endless support throughout the process of organising this event.
The winners of the 10K run were awarded as follows:
1st Male – Matthew Xuereb -33:11
2nd Male – Julian Mercieca -36:43
3rd Male – Paul Portelli – 37:07
1st Female – Michelle Dimech – 36:54
2nd Female – Charla Pia Vella – 42:20
3rd Female – Doreen Camilleri – 42:41
1st Gozitan Male – Frank Attard – 37:34
1st Gozitan Female -Sharon Caruana -47:54
1st Male 50+ – Andre Falzon -48:20
1st Female 50+ – Miriam Camilleri – 48:45
1st Male 60+ – Charlie Gatt -46:21
1st Female Staff/Volunteer – Kelsey Camilleri – 53:59
1st 12-15 years – Ryan Muscat -03:58
2nd 12-15 years – Leah Said -04:37
3rd 12-15 years – Paul Camilleri -04:42
1st 8-11 years – Liam Daly -03:54
2nd 8-11 years – Robbie Formosa -04:04
3rd 8-11 years – Aiden Muscat -04:25.
Photos: OASI Foundation