“Milk is good naturally” – a campaign funded by the European Union, the Joint Committee for Koperattiva Produtturi tal-Halib and Malta Dairy Products, and the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs will set up a cyclists pit stop at the 13th edition of the yearly bike marathon starting Friday 16 March. A refreshing glass of milk will be given to all the cyclists.
After the Prime Minister’s go ahead, a group of cyclists will leave Auberge de Castille and make their way to the Boys Junior Lyceum in Hamrun to kick off the 50 hour marathon.
“The marathon not only features a nice number of cyclists who go around the school grounds but also embraces the whole school community,” said Manwel Borg, Coordinator of the Bicycle Marathon. “Through the marathon, we are able to reach out and use the talent of the whole school community to the advantage of those who are in need. Our target is to help different institutions which are neglected and left to survive on their own. The funds collected are usually linked to a project which our students can proudly say that they were part of years on. We encourage the general public to attend and give their support for the various activities held,” he concluded.
The main aim behind the marathon is for children to get more out of their schooling life. The marathon is aired live on national television and apart from cycling, students together with their teachers and parents will include a number of ongoing activities such as games, showcases of various talents, exhibitions and a kids area. In the school ground, a stage will welcome various local talents and students who are willing to showcase their art. Zumba sessions, Judo and Aikido shows, modified and vintage cars and bands are now a yearly event.
“We want to pass the culture of voluntary initiatives for those in need on to the students,” said Innocent Aquilina, the school’s headmaster. He explained how the teachers show resourcefulness and determination to organize such a demanding event annually and to motivate students to actively participate in the marathon through cycling, collecting funds and helping in the organizing of the event.
The main aim behind the “Milk is good naturally” campaign is to generate awareness on the benefits of drinking milk regularly and encourage daily consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle. Milk is one of the purest and most natural healthy food and drink suitable for all ages, and remains an important part of our diet. The nutrients, minerals and vitamins found in milk are essential to growth, development and maintenance of the human body. Milk is a significant contributor to the human diet and one of the most nutritionally complete foods available on the food market to date.
To date the marathon has helped a good number of institutions including equipment for the Institute of Brain Injured Children, a van for the Muscular Dystrophy Group and the refurbishment of the kitchen at Dar tal-Providenza. This year’s beneficiaries are the Children Homes of the Ursuline Sisters. More information can be obtained on Maratona bir-Roti Facebook Page. The public can send an SMS on 50617383 for a donation of €2.33.