Parathlete to attempt 28km rowing challenge for paralympic fundraiser

Paralympic athlete Julian Bajada will be attempting to row 28 kilometres non-stop on an indoor rowing machine to raise €28,000 to kickstart a national paralympic rowing program. 

He is expecting to cover the distance, equivalent to that between Mellieħa and Sliema, in three hours. The challenge will take place on June 28. 

The challenge is not an easy one for anyone with two hands... but Bajada will be attempting it with one.

“While rowing non-stop will be both a physical and mental challenge, I shall be attempting it to raise more awareness on parasports and inspire potential athletes to take up a sport,” Bajada, who is a lawyer, told Times of Malta. 

He will be the first Maltese paralympic athlete to row this distance non-stop.

Julian Bajada explaining his challenge. Video: Bulletproof culture

Bajada was born with a severe form of femoral fibular ulnar syndrome, a rare condition that affected both his legs and arms. He spent most of his childhood in and out of hospital in the UK, undergoing numerous operations. 

But instead of letting his physical disabilities hinder him, his strong passion for sports inspired him to push forward and motivate others along the way. 

Bajada is...