Sports journalist Henry Calleja was laid to rest this morning.

Calleja, former president of the Sports Journalists Association (SJA), passed away on Friday, aged 77.

Funeral Mass was held at the St Julian’s parish church, followed by burial at the Addolorata Cemetery.

During the homily, Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, who preceded Calleja as SJA president, spoke about the many years the two worked together, saying that Calleja will be remembered for his constructive outspokenness.

Calleja, who was President of the Sportswriters Association from 1987 to 2003, had a 50-year career as a sports broadcaster with Xandir Malta, which later became the Public Broadcasting Services.

He was former sports editor of Il-Hajja newspaper and also sports editor at The Malta Independent between 1992-1997.

A teacher by profession, Calleja ended his career as a headmaster. For a time he was also secretary of the San Giljan waterpolo club.

During his term as president of the sportwriters association, Calleja represented the association at several international congresses of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Henry Calleja leaves to mourn him his wife Catherine, his sons Stephen Calleja, who is the Online Editor of The Malta Independent, and Nikolai, together with their families.

Present for the funeral were President Emeritus George Abela, Opposition Leader Adrian Delia and a delegation from the Sports Journalists Association.