Yesterday, my son took part in a sailing race organised by the Birzebbuga Sailing Club. This race was in aid of INSPIRE, a foundation which helps disabled persons integrate in our society. All of the proceeds went to help buy a special designed sailing boat for the use of the foundation.
(photos courtesy of Mario Brincat, a club member)
Dinghy sailing at Birzebbuga Bay goes back to the early fifties. The spectacular wooden Latini boats heralding from the three Cities of Malta and from Birzebbuga raced in the limits of the bay at St. Georges and Marsaxlokk area. Since then Birzebbuga Bay has been known as the centre for the development of high level competitive dinghy sailing. Birzebbuga Sailing Club was initiated by ex Latini sailors in 1969. Since then BSC achieved the highest national honours of 'Champions' and "Helmsmen of the Year", many times over. Club sailors raced on various classes of dinghies, especially on Marauders, Mirrors, Miracles, Sordfish and currently on Lasers. They represented Malta in major international games and won medals for Malta at the Small Nations of Europe Games. At BSC sailing for children on Mirrors and Optimists is a regular activity all the year round. Club's sailors range in ages from 7- 60 plus. It includes male and female sailors of all ages. Sailing Courses and day sailing tasters for adult beginners are offered every year for groups or individuals on demand. The Club participates in activities organised by the Malta Sports Council under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. BSC runs courses for children through SkolaSajf and SkolaSport. It collaborates with the Malta Sailing Federation and with other sailing clubs. BSC also runs an annual five day sailing course for Physical Education student teachers of the University of Malta. (taken from www.birzebbugasailing.com)
The Services and Programmes of INSPIRE address the educational, therapeutic, social and recreational needs of the people we help, with a focus on ability and potential. Our vision is to see complete inclusion of people with disabilities living in the community, in schools, the workplace and in recreation. (taken from...www.epr.eu/index.php/description-members/21-descriptionmembers/76-eden)
