ROUND MALTA RECORD BY SINGLE KAYAK SHATTERED IN FUND-RAISING ATTEMPT FOR MARIA BORG


Two canoeists from the Malta Canoe Federation shattered the existing record for a round Malta attempt by single kayak last Wednesday when they circled Malta in their kayaks in an overall time of 8 hours, 29 minutes and 20 seconds, deducting more than 2 and a half hours from the previous record set in 2001.

 

 

The attempt was made in an effort to raise funds to help Maria Borg overcome the challenges she faces when communicating. Maria is an intelligent 19 year old young woman who suffers from cerebral palsy and is thus unable to walk, speak and make use of her hands. Notwithstanding, Maria has proven herself intellectually over the years by passing various exams, including 5 Matsec ‘O’ level examinations.

However, a new wheelchair and modern technology could help Maria become more independent and utter her first words. Indeed, render her fully ‘vocal’ by means of a dedicated speech generating device accompanied by an eye tracking device.  The entire set-up would cost around 28,000 Euros.

So far, over 5000 Euros have been collected in this campaign with the news of the imminent attempt and it is hoped that the remainder will be collected to help raise the quality of life of Maria, a deserving youngster, with the publication of its success.

You can help by sending a donation to:

HSBC Bank account  “Canoeing for Maria” no. 042071415050 OR

Bank of Valletta account “Canoeing for Maria” no. 40016499733.



The Malta Institute of Management will also be contributing towards this campaign and is generously offering training vouchers against the amount donated. This opportunity is on a first come first served basis, up to a maximum of Euro 7000 (seven thousand) of vouchers in aggregate.Terms and conditions apply in using the training vouchers. Offer valid up to 15th August 2008.

Joseph Cremona and Julian Mamo left Tigne point in Sliema last Wednesday, 30th July at 4.07pm, starting the clock together with Joe Fenech Conti in his boat and with Allen Mamo in support.  The canoes were unfortunate to be stopped in their wake for 3 minutes within just 5 minutes of their start as a cruise liner departed the Grand Harbour.  They considered the opposing Force 3 North Easterly winds and current to be a bigger obstacle, however, yet consoled themselves with the thought that this should likely settle during the night as forecast.

In effect, the wind force remained constant but turned to push from the south as the duo moved southwards towards Birzebbugia.  The expected respite after their first brief stop (8 minutes) at Wied iz-Zurrieq did not materialise as the winds now blew at them from the west and North West.  At this point, the canoeists felt that a bit of paranoia could be forgiven.  The stretch towards Cirkewwa lasted little more than expected, but they felt happy to be departing Cirkewwa at 6 hours and 5 minutes into their attempt – on schedule by their own reckoning, after cutting short their brief stop.

The weather finally came in support during the last stretch back to Tigne point as the north-west winds and current pushed the canoeists from behind.  This stretch was managed in under 2 and a half hours – a full 35 minutes less than what was anticipated so that the shattering of the old record could be complete.  The pair entered Marsamxett harbour, crossing their finishing line at Tigne shortly after 12.30am on Thursday morning, completing a feat of rare endurance and speed.

Joe Fenech Conti’s support boat over the many hours was able to provide a precious guiding light to the canoeists as well as some timely water - a much appreciated contribution.

The feat was celebrated in style at the Grand Hotel Excelsior overlooking Marsamxett on Wednesday 6th August courtesy of a generous sponsorship by the Grand Hotel.  During this event, Malta Canoe Federation vice-president Alex Rizzo gave details of the canoeing feat while Maria Borg was able to meet her record-breaking canoeists, Grand Hotel Excelsior General Manager Norbert Griscti and all who were helping raise funds in her support.  Members of the Malta Canoe federation committee were also on hand to celebrate the event and promote Canoeing as a fun aerobic sport and Olympic racing discipline.  An appeal was launched to help raise the overall sum that could ensure a better future for Maria Borg.