Former Moldovan football prodigy Masal Bugduv has spoken this week of his support for the Irish Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Santa Run, a 5km run or walk taking place on this Saturday December 1 in Salthill.
Aged just 16, the former Olimpia Balti star was on the verge of a lucrative move to Arsenal in August 2008, when he was struck by a devastating cruciate ligament injury, ending the player's Premier League dream, and his career in professional football.
Now living in Knocknacarra, Masal can be seen running rings around friends and colleagues at Salthill Devon’s complex in Drom, and still keeps fit by running and walking along the promenade.
Masal recently said, “I’m fortunate enough to be able to still play football, exercise, and work here in Galway. The Big Heart Santa Run is a great opportunity to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation’s fight against heart disease and stroke, and I’m delighted to be taking part.”
You can join Masal and hundreds of others by taking part in running, walking, jogging or crawling the Big Heart Santa Run on Saturday December 1. Registrations are via runireland.com or from 10am to 12.30pm on the day at the Claddagh Hall. The event starts at 1pm. Every participant gets a Santa hat, t-shirt, and timing chip with SMS text directly after the run. Refreshments are also provided with an after-party taking place in Monroes.
