MOC honours 2017 GSSE medal winners
The Maltese Olympic Committee hosted an awards evening to honour medal winning athletes at the 2017 Games of the Small States of Europe in San Marino in June. In total, Malta’s athletes brought home 29 medals four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze.
Attending the evening were athletes forming part of the Maltese contingent, Maltese Olympic Committee Executive Board members, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations Dr. Clifton Grima as well as members of the media.
GSSE Chef de Mission William Beck welcomed those present and gave a recap of Malta’s participation in the games where 88 athletes took part in all 12 disciplines - Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volley, Boules (Raffa), Cycling, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.
In a brief address, Dr. Grima said: “We are very proud and grateful towards you since you are the people who give their 100% when representing your country. You are the persons who should feel proud and privileged whenever you are representing our country. You are the elite of Maltese sport and Malta’s best local talent.”
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that as an athlete, one has to set an example all year round to those who are younger in age, who look up to athletes as role models.
Currently the Secretariat has started working on educational campaigns aiming to get young people closer to various sport disciplines.
Prior to the presentation of bonuses to the medal winners, MOC President Julian Pace Bonello thanked athletes, families, coaches, national federations, Government, Sport Malta, sponsors and the media for supporting the Committee’s work.
Pace Bonello pledged the commitment of the MOC towards providing athletes the best possible opportunities to develop themselves in their field and the ongoing work to bring more honours and medals to Malta.