Malta will be hosting its first ever World Cup between 6 and 14 June with over 400 competitors from around 60 countries taking part.

The event is being held at the Ta’ Kandja new national shooting ranges which have been labelled as among the best in the world.

Addressing a news conference yesterday morning at Ta’ Kandja, Saviour Portelli, Malta Sports Shooting Federation president Saviour Portelli said that it was an honour for his association and for Malta to be hosting such a big event which will see the world’s top shooters taking part.

He said the Maltese athletes have been training hard in preparation for this World Cup and added he was sure they will all give their very best to acquire the best results.

Portelli referred to the new complex and said that when he was young, those interested in shooting never had the opportunity of practising their sport in such excellent conditions and surroundings. “It is a great opportunity not only for the youngsters taking part in this event, but for all those others who will be following them in future,” he said.

The Opening Ceremony is to be held next Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and the organiser, the well known actor Ray Calleja, said the theme for the event was quite appropriate – “Aiming High”. It will include the participation of singer Amber and Christabelle to enhance the evening.

The ceremony is intended to offer a big welcome to all the participants.

The event is being given maximum live coverage by the Public Broadcasting Services.

Peter Cossai, on behalf of PBS, said sports was one of the company’s top commitments adding that no stone is being left unturned in an effort to give the best service to local sports lovers especially those who love sports shooting.

Most of the competitions, especially those where the Maltese will be taking part, as well as all the finals, are being transmitted live on TVM.

Dr Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports, augured success to all the Maltese participants. He said: “Shooting deserved to have such a top-class facility. The sport has been honouring the country with several medals at top levels. The government is investing in sport in a way that it should become possible for Maltese athletes to achieve even better results in future.”

He appealed to all the 11 athletes representing Malta to do their best. “You will also be Malta’s ambassadors at this event,” he added.

 

The athletes

Malta will be taking part with the following athletes:

Trap (6): Regular – Mikaela Galea, Brian Galea, William Chetcuti, Mario Buhagiar, Nazzareno Attard; MQS – Nazzareno Attard and Gianluca Chetcuti.

Skeet (5): Regular – Marlon Attard, Bozhidar Dimitrov, Darren Vella. MQS – Marcello Attard, Jason Sciberras.

Mikaela Galea is to become the first Maltese woman to take part in a World Cup. She will be taking part in the women’s competition as well as the Mixed Trap event, together with William Chetcuti.