More than 40 swimmers will be awaiting the starter's orders this morning at 7 at Hondoq ir-Rummien below Qala, Gozo, to launch the annual Gozo-Malta Open Sea Swimming Challenge organised by Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club.

This unique swim, involving the main islands of the Maltese archipelago, will go through Comino's Blue Lagoon and finish at Cirkewwa. All swimmers will be accompanied by a boat and the race is expected to finish at 10am. The Club held talks with the Gozo Channel Co. Ltd. and the Malta Maritime Authority in order to co-ordinate operations in the channel during the race. The Police Authorities and the AFM's Maritime Squadron will be in attendance. The St. James Hospital Emergency Team will be assisting the organisers.

For the second year running, Birkirkara St Joseph has teamed up with ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija and the swimmers will be collecting funds in aid of this charitable institution.