‘In dreaming the greatest dreams, we can build a better tomorrow’

It was tough - tougher than what they anticipated - but they made it. Daniel Abela, Ruben Vassallo and Neville Calleja successfully rowed from Sardinia to Malta, a 600km distance as a fund-raising event for 'Children in Need Foundation'. The foundation is pursuing several projects with Puttinu Cares and Inspire.

"Naturally it's tough. But when you keep in mind the real life challenges these children face, this provided the necessary force to overcome all obstacles. This was definitely our driving force," Daniel Abela said.

According to their original plan, the adventure should have taken 8-10 days but they successfully made it in a week. "We decided to reduce considerably our time dedicated to rest, and simultaneously increased the rowing hours. If we sum up the total amount of rest, this would not exceed 28 hours" Abela continues; an average rest of four hours a day.

But did they ever felt in danger?

"Yes, in particular in two instances, namely when we were approaching Malta and when passing by the Island of Favignana due to currents and wind" he says.

"When approaching the island of Favignana we were without our support boat since they had to pick up another crew member from Sicily, hence we were left to our own devices. However, 3.5 nautical miles away from the island we found ourselves being pushed southwards and we started losing ground.  After rowing relentlessly in vein, we changed tactic and decided to take the wind and current head on.  We cheered at every 10 yards gained! After three and a half grueling hours of rowing we managed to cover just over 2 nautical miles - normally we would have covered 10nm - and just using our GPS we managed to find a protected cave to get some well-deserved rest," Abela explains.

On behalf of the team, Abela says that in reality they had two options, fight the challenges or give up; and giving up was something none of them not even remotely considered.

"Being a team helps in difficult moments, there is a shoulder to lean on in difficult moments. Obviously it can also create friction since living in such a constricted space is difficult and challenging. But truthfully, I can say there were no such moments of tension, Ruben and Neville were simply great," Abela says.

Even though the challenge is over, Daniel hopes the public would still contribute to the 'Children in Need Foundation'.

"I still dream that one day, I will open an envelope and find a huge donation that will allow the foundation to embark on several other projects that will help these inspiring children. In dreaming the greatest dreams, we can build a better tomorrow. Everyone can make a difference and that is simply what Ruben, Neville and myself just did," Daniel concludes.

Those who wish to donate to 'The Children in Need Foundation' are encouraged to send a cheque payable to 'The Children in Need Foundation' and send it to 217/1 21st September Avenue, Naxxar NXR 1013.