OPR- Friday, 21st May 2004

The President of Malta, H.E. Dr. Edward Fenech Adami inaugurated the fourth edition of the 36-hour Sports Marathon organized by The Liceo Mikiel Anton Vassalli in Tal-Handaq, Qormi.

The President is welcomed by the young participants

Around 3000 students from several other public, church and independent schools took part in this activity, apart from those students belonging to the Liceo. Prior to the inauguration, two Members of Parliament, the Hon. David Agius and the Hon. Carmelo Abela, both former students at Liceo M. A. Vassalli cycled off from the Parliament, Valletta to Qormi where they joined a number of Liceo Vassalli Old Boys. From there they ran the final part of the Challenge to the school.

When addressing thousands of students in the school ground, The President expressed his pleasure in seeing the participation of the students in Sports events. “Nowadays sports has acquired its importance not only in the physical development but also in the development of the person as a whole.” 

Refering to the initiative taken by the two parliamentary members, President Fenech Adami said that this is a clear example of the sense of belongingness that the school was able to develop and that the values that students acquired from its teachings contributed in their success. He continued by saying that “Sports and Education are important not only for one’s own personal success but also to ensure the success of our country.”

The President addressing the students

The President conveyed his gratitude to all those involved in directing their efforts towards the Community Chest Fund and remarked about the importance of such donations. Thousands of Maltese socially disadvantaged expect some sort of assistance to be able to decrease the difficulties they are living in.

Donations to the MCCF from previous Sports Marathons organized at the Liceo totaled the sum of Lm8000. In this year’s edition, the sum targeted is that of last year, that is Lm3000 with the hope of improving upon it.