A sizeable crowd at the Malta International airport greeted the second group of Maltese athletes and officials yesterday afternoon as they returned from the Games for European Small States held in Andorra last week.

Another group arrived in Malta earlier, round about 11.30am.

There was an air of satisfaction from all those involved after Malta managed a haul of 37 medals, including seven gold, 13 silver and 17 bronze. These were three more than Chef de mission Pippo Psaila had predicted before the Maltese participation in this 11th edition of the Small Nations Games.

This was also the best result Malta has ever obtained away from home, surpassing the tally of 35 medals in San Marino four years ago. Then Malta had also won seven gold medals.

Table tennis provided the best satisfaction for Malta with Simon Gerada and Andrezej Makowski winning two golds, one silver and one bronze between them.

Swimming provided unexpected satisfaction where Angela Galea won a gold medal and two bronzes, one of which together with the 4x100 relay team.

In shooting we again confirmed our strength in this discipline. If William Chetcuti’s gold was expected, Emmanuel Grima’s silver was a nice surprise.

Athletics is also one of the disciplines the Maltese athletes are improving at, winning a handful of medals, especially on the final day.

There might have been some disappointments but these cannot erase a memorable adventure in this year’s Games.

Well done to all who has made Malta proud in Andorra.