International half marathon to raise money for Caritas

Caritas Malta will be opening a home for homeless drug addicts in Floriana in the coming days.

Director Mgr Victor Grech told a news conference that the home was intended to offer a temporary refuge to addicts during which time they would be motivated to start a job and embark on a suitable rehabilitation programme. The home will be accommodating eight to 10 people.

Mgr Grech announced the opening of the home during the launch of the seventh Zurrieq International half marathon, being held in aid of Caritas Malta on November 7.

The marathon, organised by Zurrieq Wolves Athletics, follows Malta Amateur Athletics Association rules and regulations.

It is being held on World Run Day, an annual event in which runners are asked to run and collect money for charity. It is being held in collaboration with the Education Department and schools are being encouraged to take part.

The event originated in the United States in 1999, but since then it has grown and is now being held in over 600 cities worldwide.

Mgr Grech said that Caritas, which required between Lm350,000 and Lm360,000 a year to carry out its operations, was taking part in the race for several reasons, including:

¤ the promotion of the value of health through sports;

¤ a sign of solidarity; and

¤ to collect money for Caritas.

During the news conference, a video feature on the work carried out by Caritas was shown.

Caritas carried out extensive work with people with social problems, the elderly, both in their own home and in residential homes, victims of usury, youths, people with an alcohol or gambling problem, HIV and Aids victims and individuals with mental health problems.

It also offered support to sufferers of Huntington's Disease and Epilepsy and widowed and separated individuals.

Caritas Malta offers several programmes, including a support to employees in industry programme.

While the half marathon is taking place, five fun runs, ranging from 100 metres to three kilometres will be organised.

All would start and finish at Zurrieq's main square, near the Zurrieq bus terminus.