Every Saturday morning, at the newly opened KMS Skolasport outlet in Mosta, a group of aspiring youths train hard in the sport they love - athletics. During each athletic session the participants perform different types of activities, which help them to raise their physical attributes, self-esteem, confidence level and at the same time provides enjoyment.

KMS Skolasport, organised by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and sponsored by Kellogg’s, is holding 75-minute sessions in athletics every Saturday morning between 9.00am and 10.15am at the Maria Reġina College, in Mosta.

For the majority of the young athletes it is their first-hand experience in a sport. KMS Skolasport endeavours to give participants the right exposure to the various disciplines athletics has to offer both in track and field. Since the start of this program, back in October 2011, the participants have practised sprinting events including the use of starting blocks, jumping events and throwing events. In the coming months, the coaches are planning to include middle and long distance events, while stressing on the importance of continuous practice, coupled with a healthy lifestyle as an essential base for every sport.

“Students enjoy the drills, the circuit exercises for a particular event and the conditioning exercises which make the session varied and exciting,” said Mr Reuben Baldacchino, Head Coach at KMS Skolasport, Mosta. “The participants have shown progress throughout the course. They’ve improved their overall fitness, in particular flexibility and stamina,”

“Our aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle amongst these children, and being physically active is the first step in the right direction. Most of these young athletes are very promising and we augur that they will be participating in athletics events on a national level in the near future.” he added.

Athletics helps participants not only to develop their basic sports skills, but tends to help them improve their mental and physical fitness as well as their social and emotional growth. Although athletics might be considered to be an individualistic sport, it also gives participants a sense of teamwork when they work as a group in events such as relay races.

The KMS Skolasport is the starting point for many Maltese children and youths in their discovery and enjoyment of sports and active lifestyles. This is why Kellogg’s, the world’s leading producer of breakfast cereal, is the official sponsor of Skolasport for the past 12 years.

For further information about athletics or any other discipline offered at KMS Skolasport, kindly contact the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, Head Office either on tel. 2166 0658/9, via email [email protected] or visit the KMS website www.sportmalta.org.mt.