Kayaking is a sport that is growing in Malta and is now practised over a number of disciplines, which include racing disciplines and less competitive activities such as touring.   Each year the Malta Canoe Federation (MCF) experiences a growing interest in the sport and this motivates the committee to organise more events including those intended to help charities by challenging kayakers to meet and tentatively beat their limits.

Most believe that kayaking is a difficult sport and that may discourage them from giving it a go. However, like any sport, once you practice it a few times safely and receive proper instruction, you can quickly get going and experience great improvements.

The MCF is therefore holding the MCF Hospice Movement 24 Hour Challenge based on a successful format tried in Spring 2007 that offers a challenge to the more experienced kayakers but also an opportunity for beginners to take part.  The event will be organised with the main aim of displaying solidarity to The Malta Hospice Movement through kayaking and will help this voluntary organisation raise funds to continue to support persons with cancer or motor neurone disease and their families. All proceeds from The Malta Canoe Federation & Hospice Movement 24 Hour Challenge shall go towards the extension of the Hospice premises through the building of the third floor, which is necessary due to the expansion of free of charge Palliative Care Services being provided to patients and their families.

The event will consist of 24 hours of non-stop kayaking around Manoel Island, and the main challenge, incited by the MCF is to perform as many laps as possible. Holistically by the end of the event a significant distance will be covered by the sum of the circumnavigations of Manoel Island performed by all the participants. The MCF will pledge to ensure through a minimum presence roster that there will more than 2 kayakers performing the laps around the island at any one point and will endeavour to maximise the presence on the water in all parts of the challenge.

Beginners will be assisted by MCF leaders for a lap (or more) and any interested individuals who never paddled before, will be given, at predetermined times of the event, the possibility of experiencing a short paddle in the sheltered water against a donation of €5 as long as they meet minimum safety criteria.

The event will also be given a cutting edge by two members from the Malta Sea Kayak club, Dorian Vassallo and Albert Gambina, who are now well known for their Kayak For Cancer crossings between Malta and Sicily.  These two open sea kayakers are this time attempting to break a local record and will attempt to paddle for the whole 24 hours of the event with pre agreed timed stops, in their VKV Anita K2. Great support will be necessary for these adventurers in their final laps as the fatigue will kick in and make each paddle stroke harder.

The event will be supported by clubs affiliated to the MCF including Malta Canoe Racing club and the Malta Sea Kayak Club (SeaKats) who will both be actively participating in the organisation of this event.

The MCF Hospice Movement 24 Hour Challenge kicks off at 5pm on the 26th September from the Ferries at The Strand, Sliema.  

The MCF and The Malta Hospice Movement invite the general public to support the kayakers taking part and the charity being helped through this event.  All athletes paddling for the longer distances will definitely appreciate some cheering especially as they get closer to the climax on Sunday afternoon.

Donations to The Malta Hospice Movement can be made by sending a blank SMS to 5061 7384 for €2.33, 5061 8100 for €4.66 or 5061 9234 for €11.65. For further information please contact The Malta Hospice Movement, 39, Good Shepherd Avenue, Balzan, BZN 1623, Tel: 21440085 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .