Some of the athletes who will be forming part of the Maltese contingent at the forthcoming Games for European Small Nations in Andorra (29 May - 4 June) will be undergoing some days training at altitude in Andorra.

The Malta Olympic Committee’s Director of Sport, Pippo Psaila, told The Malta Independent yesterday that some shooters and the cyclists will need to travel well before the rest of the contingent in order to be able to get acclimatised to the conditions which will face them in competition week.

The shooting and cycling events are to be held in locations on the mountains. “Travelling at least one week prior to the start of the competition will enable our shooters and cyclists to get acclimatised to the conditions so that they will be in proper shape for the events the following week,” said Psaila.

The main contingent will, however, be leaving Malta on Sunday 29 May reaching Barcelona on a flight via Rome.

The Director of Sport said the officials and athletes were informed of the recent agreement with the Maltese council for Sport and the Minister for Education on Tuesday evening during a meeting at the MOC’s headquarters.

Psaila said the athletes were also told and it was made clear to them that only those who achieved the MQSs (Minimum Qualifying Standard) will be eligible for participation, not only at the Andorra Games, but also at the Mediterranean Games in Almeira, Spain, a few weeks later. These qualifying standards had been set two years ago.