30 June 2007 Rating 61% No Comment  

Gozitan athlete Saviour Borg, who is 34 years old and lives in St Lawrenz, is to take part in a marathon in Addis Abba, Ethiopia, in September. The marathon is being held in aid of children who are suffering from leprosy or have a relative with leprosy. Mr Borg, who will be paying all the travelling expenses himself, has already participated in 19 marathons around the world, including Syracuse, Florence, London, Amsterdam, Boston, New York, Rotterdam, Paris, Berlin, Majorca, Newcastle and Budapest. He has also been voted Gozitan Sportsman of the Year three times. The Ethiopian event was officially announced last May at Mellieha Danish Village, where Gesu fil-Proxxmu Missionary Group secretary Dr John Debono presented Mr Borg with a t-shirt to wear at the marathon. The Gesu fil-Proxxmu Missionary Group aims to help children suffering from leprosy in Ethiopia. The group has moved these children out from the cemetery they were living in, into a home with water and electricity. People suffering from leprosy are unable to have direct contact with others, therefore a school is being built specifically for such children in Ethopia. However, works were stopped five years ago due to financial difficulties. The school will provide children with a good education and the chance to eat together, meet their parents, receive medical treatment and other services. Sponsors include Toyota, Powerade, Arrigo group, MacDonald's, St Michael Foundation, Attard and Co, World Express and Emirates. Those wishing to contribute towards the movement's cause can send an SMS to 50618067 to donate Lm2; 50049523 to donate Lm3; 50049525 to donate Lm5 or 50049520 to donate Lm10.