The ASA annual general meeting was held on Thursday at the University Residence in Lija.

Dr Austin Sammut, President of the ASA, gave a detailed overview of the ASA’s events of the last year and mentioned in particular the success of the national waterpolo team in the European B Championships held in Lugano, Switzerland and the national swimming squad in the FINA world championships.

Dr Sammut stated that the main challenge for the national waterpolo team in 2010 will be the European championships in April 2010. In October of the same year the new playing format of the championships will come into effect and matches will be played on a home and away basis that will force the ASA to increase its budget to e100,000.

Dr Sammut thanked the Bank of Valletta Group for sponsoring the ASA’s competitions once again but remarked that the search to increase the number of sponsors is on.

Dr Sammut also referred to the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Federazione Italiana Nuoto that shall open the doors for local referees to possibly officiate matches in southern Italy and see waterpolo clubs participating in Italian waterpolo competitions.

Dr Sammut ended his report by thanking the executive committee and all those who, in one way or another, helped in the running of the association. The clubs then approved a recommendationby the president that the incumbent vice-president swimming Mark Galea’s term be extended till 2011.

As there were no contestations, Edgar Rizzo retained his post of treasurer, Joe Agius Ruggier continues as vice-president waterpolo while former president Robert Ebejer was named Honorary President.

Following a tight ballot between Remy Damato and George Papagiorcopulo, Damato retained his post as general secretary of the association.