Team Malta had a very positive start today in Catania at the COJI games, when the first competitions took place in Athletics, Table Tennis and Sailing.
Athletics - A succession of strong performances by the Maltese team, which placed them on several podiums throughout the morning in the Stadio Cus di Catania. The first to step on the podium was Karol Spiteri who took a silver medal in Hammer. A succession of medals ensued with a Bronze Medal for Sarah Chouhal in the 400m, Alessia Cristina and Kurt Zahra in the 100m. Silver medals were won by Mireya Cassar who won Silver in Discus and Shot Put, whilst Omar El Aida Chaffey took home a silver in the 100m and a gold in the 400m. The other gold for Malta was secured by Jacob El Aida Chaffey in the 100m and Maria Zahra in Discus bringing the total tally, for the day, to ten medals. An all Malta podium was registered in the 100m when Jacob and Oman El Aida Chaffey took Gold and Silver and were joined by Kurt Zahra on the podium
Table Tennis - Good performances from Conrad Puli and James Vella Vidal who won against the strong teams of Martinique and Jersey. Despite valiant efforts from Anthea Cutajar and May Zahra, the team for Azores were too strong for the Maltese girls. Malta continues to play tomorrow.
Sailing - Richard Schultheis and Saul Vassallo took part in a total of three races, competing against Corsica, Sicily, Azores and Jersey. Schultheis took the first win and placed second and third in the respective two races whilst Vassallo took a second, fourth and second place. Currently Schultheis is in first place whilst Vassallo is in third. Three more races are scheduled to take place tomorrow, Thursday 24th March.
"Despite some logistical challenges, the morale of the contingent is high and there is a good feeling of camaraderie. Naturally the medals brought home by our athletes provided a good morale boost, which we hope will keep the momentum until Saturday when the Games come to an end" explained Maria Vella-Galea, Chef de Mission. "By tomorrow, Thursday, all our athletes will be in action and we are looking forward to continue seeing some strong performances".
Malta will be competing in Athletics, Gymnastics, Karate, Sailing, Swimming and Table Tennis.
For more information please visit www.nocmalta.org