Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539607
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS Aquahub's first training camp at the new Gozo swimming complex THE first week of September has taken Aquahub swimming club for an introduction to the season by virtue of a seven day training camp at the newly in- augurated Gozo Indoor Swim- ming Pool Complex in Victoria, Gozo. Aquahub was lucky enough to have been granted the opportu- nity to train in this brand new indoor pool complex just days before it was officially inaugu- rated. This was Aquahub's first training camp with younger and older swimmers - just over 40 of them ranging from 8 to 17 years -that participated in the differ- ent groups according to their development progress making it a perfect core training for the upcoming swimming season 2025/2026. The training camp consist- ed of land work and honing of swimming techniques guided by our qualified Head Coach Julian Harding and Coach Kairee Far- rugia with the able assistance of Rossana Oddi a qualified Life Guard. The venue also proved to be a convenient place for the train- ing camp without having to go abroad since the new com- plex is truly up to standard and world class. The camp was also an oppor- tunity for the swimmers to get back into training mode after their annual break from last season's sessions - which break is also necessary for said swim- mers to regenerate and not burn out. The training camp ended with the participation of practically all the swimmers taking part in the Otters Fest - a swimming festival organised by Gozo's wa- terpolo with competitions held at Marsalforn with open water races. The aim now is to focus on the upcoming events with Time Trials to be held at Tal Qroqq National Pool and at the Cos- picua Indoor pool. Coach Harding declared the training camp a success since he said that the mileage was upped considerably with more recovery in between. The team he said is in a stronger position than before preparation for the new season ahead. 'We are now on week 5 of our training block in preparation for the Nationals Short Course 2025 to be held at Cottonera Complex in the com- ing months' he added. Coach Kairee said that the swimmers in the Aquaskills A learnrnt new land and swim- ming skills each day but most importantly traching the young ones to work as a team for their future in the club. Special thanks goes to Sport Malta, the Maltese Aquatics Federation (ASA) and Physio- suite for their collaboration. The training camp ended with the participation of practically all the swimmers taking part in the Otters Fest Final turtle nest of the season hatches at Ramla l-Hamra THE final turtle nest of the sea- son has begun hatching in Ram- la l-Ħamra, marking the closing chapter of this year's nesting pe- riod. During the night, more than 40 hatchlings emerged from the sand and made their way to the sea. This season, officials from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and volun- teers from Nature Trust Malta (NTM) worked tirelessly to safe- guard the nesting sites, ensuring the fragile eggs were protected until hatching. Visitors to the site are being re- minded to remain mindful dur- ing this sensitive period. Noise should be kept to a minimum, bright lights must not be used near the nests, and any guidance provided by volunteers should be followed closely to avoid dis- turbing the hatchlings. Over 40 hatchlings have made their way to the sea at Ramla l-Ħamra, as the final nest of the season hatches under the care of ERA officials and Nature Trust Malta volunteers The sixth and final turtle nest of the year has started to hatch (Photo: Hayley Acreman/Angelique Lofaro)