Roundin' Up...

Even with everybody gettin' down n' dirty with exams the SVS pushed through their piles of books and notes to get into the fresh air for some good ol' SVS time. After a well earned recovery from Easter Camp the SVS showed up in full force and uniform for the Annual Parade in Valletta. Despite the heat and confusion the SVS along with the rest of the Group marched on proudly down Republic street to salute the President and the top dogs of IHQ which included newly appointed Chief Commissioner Leslie Bonnici.

Great timing marching down Republic Street...

Ryan holding the Unit's flag high n proud...

Next up came the much anticipated Graduation Exercise (or GRADEX as we like to call it). All eyes were on Tom as the activity was prepared solely for him as he joined the Unit as a totally new member and the next batch of recruits weren't due to come in for some time. Though this didn't seem to dampen his spirits one bit as he pushed through the day nav, night nav and then finally the MEDEVAC! Kudos Tom!

Tom thinking of his next move...

A couple of weeks later in May, Chris (a.k.a. Il-Griz), Tom, ASL Rubei and Cremona signed up in pairs for was has become the annual PAS (President's Award Scheme) Adventure Race. The race took the form of a Triathlon type of event including several stages which were an aerial ropeway, a 5km trek/jog, followed by a 12km cycle, 1.2km canoeing then finally an beach obstacle course. The 2 teams got some pretty great results coming in 12th and 14th out of 35 teams. Well done guys!

Tom during the off-road part of the trek...

In June once exams were dying down the Unit finally held the O-coy investiture, though this time they decided to have the ceremony outdoors at the Qolla ta' Brared. The scene couldn't have been more perfect as you could probably tell from the photos ;) Later in the month the Unit held a joint activity with the Xaghra Venture Unit as part of Cremona's leadership training. The activity took the form of an overnight hike in Gozo, passing through some rugged coastline paths and lush valleys along the way.

Trekking along Mgarr ix-Xini...

One for the books!

That was basically the last couple of months in a nutshell! Right now the Unit is busy with the new recruits, their basic training and the rest of the summer programme, so keep tuned for some more epic tales of adventure!


Mo$es