SP Athletics Team Concludes the Season 2025/26
The SP Athletics Team composed of fourteen athletes brought another rewarding season to a close with a recreational and educational live-in in Gozo, based at Dar Marija Assunta in Għarb. The three days offered the athletes an exciting mix of sport, adventure, reflection, teamwork and friendship — a fitting way to celebrate their commitment and achievements throughout the season.
The adventure began soon after arriving in Gozo with an afternoon at Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay, where the boys enjoyed swimming and an exciting sofa ride. The day continued with night football at the Għajnsielem grounds, providing plenty of fun and competition before returning to Għarb.
The second day was certainly one of the highlights of the live-in: a full-day e-bike adventure exploring some of the gems of Gozo.
The team cycled to the spectacular Sanap Cliffs, enjoying the magnificent coastal scenery before continuing towards Xlendi Bay. There, the group had time for a refreshing swim and also celebrated the Eucharist at the Xlendi Chapel, bringing an important spiritual dimension to the day’s adventure.
From Xlendi, the journey continued to Wied il-Mielaħ, where the boys admired the impressive natural limestone window overlooking the sea. The route then became even more adventurous, with some off-road cycling leading towards Qbajjar, where the group stopped for lunch.
Afterwards, it was time for another well-earned swim in Marsalforn. Before returning the e-bikes, the team made one final stop at Calypso Cave, taking in the majestic view over the golden sands and blue waters of Ramla Bay.
That evening was one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the live-in — the SP Athletics Presentation of Awards.
Athletes received awards recognising Commitment as well as Best Achievement and Commitment throughout the season. Coach Luca Flask congratulated the athletes and encouraged everyone to continue striving, training hard and believing that improvement comes through determination and perseverance.
He particularly praised those athletes who consistently showed the desire to better their performances throughout the season. The boys were delighted with their awards, which will hopefully serve as further motivation as they prepare for the upcoming athletics season.
The final day included an educational session focusing on the psychology of sport and the importance of having the right frame of mind in training. The session encouraged the athletes to understand that sporting development is not only about physical ability, but also about discipline, resilience, focus, attitude and the willingness to keep working towards one’s goals.
After packing and clearing the residence, there was still time for one last activity — a final swim at Ħondoq ir-Rummien, bringing three memorable days in Gozo to a fitting conclusion.
The live-in was about much more than cycling, swimming, football and athletics. Throughout the three days, the boys learned to collaborate, share responsibilities and work together as a team. Even simple moments, such as preparing and cooking meals together, became opportunities to get to know one another better.
The informal moments, conversations, shared challenges and laughter helped strengthen friendships and relationships within the team. These experiences are an important part of what the SP Athletics Team seeks to promote: not simply better sporting performance, but the holistic development of young people through sport, friendship, responsibility and shared experiences, always in a Salesian way!
The live-in therefore marked not only the end of another athletics season, but also a celebration of the journey travelled together. The athletes now look forward to the new season with renewed motivation, stronger friendships and fresh goals to pursue.
Well done to all our SP athletes, and a special thank you to Coach Luca Flask and all those who made this memorable experience possible!
