'SPORT FOR ALL' ACTIVITIES

'SPORT FOR ALL' ACTIVITIES

‘Every individual shall have the right to participate in sport'

The first activity on this year's calendar of events organised by the 'Sport For All' Executive Board will be taking place on Sunday.

The 'Sport For All' Executive Board is a government-appointed Board commissioned to pursue public welfare objectives in the field of 'Sport for All'.

The Board's objective is the nation-wide promotion of 'Sport for All', centred mainly on the organisation of sport activities based on the idea of physical recreation for enjoyment as an ingredient of sports with, or without a competitive element. Initiatives held during 1999 towards this end include the Beach Volley Open Tournament and Beach Games in August and the Sport Extravaganza in December.

The aim of a 'Sport for All' policy is be to bring about optimum conditions in which the broadest possible section of the Maltese population can have easy access to and engage in sport regularly, in accordance with each individual's capabilities and interests. As the physical fitness of many a Maltese is below a satisfactory level, Sport will be encouraged as an important factor in human development and appropriate support will be made available essentially out of public funds.

Sport instilled at an early age is of prime importance in the education of children and young people. The opportunities through sport in education affect many areas of young people lives. Participating and training in games creates friendship in peer groups, involves an interaction of similar interests and helps to share experiences. Sport events are popular meeting points and information centres for people from all walks of life, from different cultures and nations. Here they practise and develop solidarity and respect for each other. This will also influence other aspects of people's experiences and create fresh opportunities for them. This is as true all over the world.

A bicycle fun ride heralds the first activity on this year's calendar of events. This is scheduled for next Sunday, 6^th February 2000. This activity, organised in collaboration with the Malta Cycling Association, will start at 9.30a.m. from Valletta and finishing at Spinola Bay, St. Julians. All those interested to participate are to meet in Castille Place, Valletta, at 9.00a.m.

The full programme is as follows:

Start: At 9.30am near Castille Place, Valletta

1^st stop: Near Workers Memorial, at Msida

2^nd stop: In front of Preluna Hotel, Sliema

3^rd stop: Finish at Spinola Bay, St. Julians.

At the end of the fun ride, transport will be available for the cyclists from Spinola Bay to Valletta.

4.02.2000