“The 29th Olympic Games in Beijing were exceptional Games. Both as regards the organisation, hospitality, infrastructure, the number of world and Olympic records broken but above all was Malta’s best ever performance. It was Malta’s best ever achievement as regards the results and overall assessment” – this was the general comment from Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, president of the Maltese Olympic Committee when addressing the media conference relative to Malta’s 14th presence in the Olympic Games.

The MOC president tackled various aspects relative to the Games. On pointing out that behind such success there are not only the athletes but their coaches, the administrators within the respective national associations but above all, this was the result of the good set up of which the MOC is proud of.

“Until some years ago our presence at the Olympic Games was just a mere presence. Nowadays Malta is there to compete, achieve results and make better assessments of what there is at stake”, added the MOC president.

He also referred to the negative attitude which seemed to dominate certain articles of the local media. However on a more positive note the MOC President was pleased that the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Clyde Puli was present whenever local athletes were competing in Beijing. “Such encouragement always leaves a positive impact on whoever really has sport at heart,” he said.

Farrugia Sacco gave details of the various official meetings held in Beijing some of which were also attended by Mr Puli and referring to meetings held with IOC officials it seems evident that the work being carried out by the MOC may lead to further financial assistance to the MOC.

“Now that we are obtaining such positive results as the one achieved by William Chetcuti, we hope that the financial support from government and related bodies will help further so that current technical and athletes’ preparation programmes can be enhanced. 1997 was the turning point as much as government financial assistance is concerned and we hope that competent authorities understand further the importance of sport-financing. Once there are enough funds, more preparation can be given to our athletes and we can assure more and better results of which Malta will be proud of.”

The MOC president gave an overview of what was achieved, expected and analysed following the Beijing Games and he hoped that the year 2009 will bring further success to local sport as Malta looks forward to the GSSE edition in Cyprus and for the Mediterranean Games in Pescara.

Present for the media conference was also the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli who gave his views on his presence in Beijing and the unique experience he had while having first instance experience with local athletes and officials in such sport scenario.

Mr Puli promised all his support to the MOC initiatives and programmes and also presented a e70,000 grant as part of the government’s contribution to the MOC.

The media conference was also addressed by Julian Pace Bonello who was Chef de Mission of Team Malta in Beijing.

He gave an overview of what it entails to be leading a contingent during the Olympic Games.

Joseph Cassar, general secretary of the MOC, gave details on the general aspect of the Games and what they offered to the world of sport.

An analysis of the results achieved by the six athletes present in Beijing was delivered by Pippo Psaila, director of Sport of the MOC.