The Malta Independent on Sunday
Maltese at Rio Games
Olympics
The Maltese contingent in Rio took part in the athletes and officials march past during Friday/Saturday night’s spectacular Opening Ceremony at the famous Maracana Stadium.
Swimmer Andrew Chetcuti led the contingent as the flag bearer. The other members forming part of the contingent were athletes Eleonor Bezzina and William Chetcuti (shooting), Nicola Muscat (swimming), Kyle Micallef (weightlifter), Charlotte Wingfield and Luke Bezzina (athletics).
The officials were Chef de Mission David Azzopardi, Mario Micallef, MOC Director of Sport, Mark Cutajar, MOC vice president, Dr Lucienne Attard and Milos Stanisavljevic, both from the medical department.
MOC president Julian Pace Bonello and secretary general Joe Cassar were among the distinguished guests.
Eleonor Bezzina first in action today
Shooter Eleonor Bezzina will be the first in action today. She will be taking part in the 10m air pistol event which starts at 2pm (Malta time). The Malta girl will then be in action again next Tuesday as she is taking part in the 25m event, also starting at 2pm (Malta time).
On the same day, in the pool, Andrew Chetcuti will be taking part in the 100m freestyle at about 6pm (Malta time).
On Wednesday it will be William Chetcuti’s turn as he takes part in the Shooting (Double Trap) competition which also starts at 2pm (Malta time).
Friday will be the most eventful for the Maltese with three athletes in action.
Kyle Micallef will make history by becoming the first Maltese to represent Malta at the Olympics in weightlifting. He is taking part in the 85m Group B. The competition starts at 3pm (Malta time).
At 4.55pm (Malta time), athlete Charlotte Wingfield takes to the track to take part in the 100m preliminaries. If she qualifies, she will be back on the track later to take part in round 1 of the event.
In the pool, at 6.02pm (Malta time), it will be Nicola Muscat’s turn to take part in the 50m freestyle.
Finally, next Saturday, athlete Luke Bezzina will be the last Maltese competitor in action at these Games. He will be taking part in the 100m preliminaries at 2.52pm (Malta time). It is well to note that Bezzina is taking the place of the suspended Kevin Moore.