The majority of the executive committee members of the Malta Gymnastics Federation have given a bad example of fair play recently, also confirming that they do not go along with their own statute, whose primary aim is to promote the sport and to give the opportunity to all its members to improve on their talent and to prepare them for any international competition.

The case arose a few weeks ago when four of the best gymnasts on the island were chosen to represent Malta in the forthcoming Island Games to be held in Crete next month. They were chosen fairly and squarely after a ‘Try Out’ held by the federation. They finished in the first four places and were recommended by the executive committee with three votes in favour, two against and with one abstention. These names were then submitted to the Malta Olympic Committee.

However, a parent of one of the gymnasts that was injured during the Try Outs and did not finish all her routines, asked the MOC to consider her daughter for selection and asked for another Try Out.

This is something which, in my opinion, cannot be accepted. Try Outs are held on the day for selection. If one is injured or unable to take part, it is very unfortunate but one has to accept the result and has to remain out. One must be brave enough to congratulate the others selected and wish them the best of success.

The request was handed to the Malta Olympic Committee, but the latter did not take any decision and instead, it referred the case again to the federation to take a decision in the best interest of the sport.

They were asked to make a choice – either nobody takes part in the event or the four selected would make the trip. The MOC also insisted that there was no chance to organise another Try Out as the parent of the injured gymnast was asking.

To everyone’s surprise, even to the MOC, the majority of the executive committee members of the federation decided, with four votes against two, not to send anyone for the Games. This was a very unfair decision and very unsporting.

For fairness sake, I ask the MOC to reconsider the issue. After all, the executive committee had already decided and taken a vote and this is recorded in the minutes.

Mario Meli

Mosta