A new project by the Gozo Motocross Association will offer an alternative to the speed-based sport
Young Gozitans will have a new opportunity to learn the discipline of motor trials through a project by the Gozo Motocross Association, which was awarded €5,000 in funding from the Small Initiatives Scheme (SIS) of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS).
The project, entitled “Motor Trials – I Can Balance It Too!”, was presented during a visit that Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri paid to the facilities of this organisation in Gozo.
This initiative will be part of the GMA Junior Academy and will introduce motor trials training and competitions for children and young people. The project is particularly aimed at those who have a passion for motorcycles but prefer a technical discipline, based on balance, precision and control, rather than speed. Through the grant, the association will invest in electric trials motorcycles, so that it can start offering this new discipline within its academy. The training will be open to students with different levels of ability and experience.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained that, “Through this investment we are creating another opportunity for more children and young people to find an activity that matches their skills and interests. Motor trials not only teaches motor control, but also strengthens concentration, discipline, resilience and self-confidence. This is another example of how much the work between the Government and voluntary organisations can lead to concrete initiatives that reach different realities and interests. The organisations have the knowledge and experience in their communities, while the Government provides them with the support to turn good ideas into real opportunities for our children and young people.”
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that, “We are launching two motorcycles that will be able to be used by young people and children who are approaching this sport. And we are doing this so that those who may still be tempted to enter, have the opportunity to do so without obviously having to make an initial capital expenditure for such motorcycles. This is an important initiative so that we can continue to increase interest in this sport which is also popular on the island of Gozo. Obviously, the Government will continue to help so that sporting initiatives continue to be given priority as we will also do from now on and in a few months where a group of Gozitans, Motocross enthusiasts and sportsmen will also be doing their training in Sicily. We will obviously continue to help Gozitan sportsmen to progress in their respective disciplines.”
The program will also encourage an active lifestyle while helping participants develop coordination, physical strength and endurance. The emphasis will be on personal progress and the acquisition of new skills, and not just on results in competitions.
A representative of the Gozo Motocross Association explained that this initiative will broaden the work of the GMA Junior Academy and reach out to young people who are not necessarily drawn to high-speed racing. Through training, mentoring and encouragement between participants, the association will continue to build a community of responsible, confident and passionate riders.
Commenting during the visit, the Chief Executive of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), Mauro Pace Parascandalo, said, “This is another project that we are delighted to see come to life through MCVS funds. In this way, we continue with our commitment to strengthening the work of voluntary organisations so that they can continue to make a positive difference in the community, in this case through this sport.”
Photos: MIV/MFG
