25 athletes from eight different sports disciplines will be representing Malta at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in the Gold Coast, Australia, next month.
The number, which is probably the largest representing Malta in these Games outside Europe, meets the quota allocated to Malta by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). From the 18 sports disciplines to be contested at the Games, Maltese athletes will be competing in eight, namely Athletics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Lawn Bowls, Squash, Shooting, Wrestling and Weightlifting.
Chef de Mission Paul Sultana said yesterday that the theme of this year’s edition is “Share the dreams”. Around 70 countries, affiliated to the CGF, will be represented. Malta’s athletes will consist of 15 men and 10 women.
The sport disciplines and the athletes are the following:
Athletics: Andrew Cassar Torreggiani, Ian Paul Grech, Charlotte Wingfield. Official: James Hillier
Cycling : David Treacy, Alexander Smyth. Official: Etienne Bonello
Gymnastics: Sana Grillo. Official: Antonina Uzinova
Lawn Bowls: Brendan Aquilina, Sharon Callus, Shaun Parnis, Connie-Leigh Rixon, Rebecca Rixon, Rosemary Rixon. Officials: Rex Johnston, Joe Saragozza
Shooting: Marlon Attard, Eleonor Bezzina, William Chetcuti, Brian Galea, Nathan Lee Xuereb. Officials: Francis Bugeja, John Mary Bugeja
Squash: Bradley Hindle, Dianne Kellas, Colette Sultana, Daniel Zammit Lewis. Official: Joe Zammit Lewis
Weightlifting: Yazmin Zammit Stevens. Official: Jesmond Caruana
Wrestling: David Galea, Gary Giordmaina, Adam Vella. Official: Jesmond Giordimaina
Sultana went on to say that after his October visit to the Gold Coast, he found out that the venues were almost ready. “All I can say is that they have exceptional venues and a very modern athletes village. I am sure the Australians are leaving no stone unturned to see that this 21st edition of the Games will be something extraordinary,” headed.
Director of Sport Ivan Balzan described the selection process which was carried out by means of Minimum Qualifying Standards. Each Federation was expected to meet these MQSs in order for their athletes to be considered for Games qualification.
Balzan explained that he was pleased with the level of close cooperation between the MOC and Federations involved. He went on to explain that regular communication was undertaken to ensure that all parties were fully informed of the progress registered.
In fact, he is confident that all the athletes will be performing to the best of their abilities.
MOC President Julian Pace Bonello expressed his gratitude towards athletes and Federations who have shown their commitment towards these Games.
The MOC is confident that the preparation put in by Maltese athletes will produce some positive results for Malta. “What we are expecting is that our athletes will register their best performances with personal bests, new national records and best placing in their respective discipline,”added Pace Bonello.
The MOC president encouraged the general public to follow and support Team Malta through the various social media channels of the Olympic Committee.
Pace Bonello then revealed that young wrestler Gary Giordimaina had been chosen as Team Malta’s Flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony which is to be held on 4 April. The youngster has been very producing consistent performances and achieved very good results achieved in recent international competitions.
Head of Delegation will be Julian Pace Bonello, President of the Maltese Olympic Committee who will be accompanied by Secretary General Joseph Cassar. Chef de Mission duties will be undertaken by Paul Sultana. Other officials present to assist the contingent will be Ivan Balzan, Director of Sport, Charlene Attard, Mario Micallef and Maria Vella-Galea. Dr. Kirill Micallef Stafrace, will be the head of the Medical Team.
The Maltese delegation will leave Malta for Australia on 29 March and first commitments will be taken up by Gymnastics, Lawn Bowls, Squash and Weightlifting on 5 April.