Malta Olympic Committee Director of Sport Pippo Psaila yesterday warned prospective athletes for the Monaco Games for European Small States of 2007 that they will not make the grade unless they start their preparations from now.

He told a crowded Sports Hall at Tal-Qroqq that the MOC was intent on maintaining the improvement its athletes had shown in recent years, adding that the Andorra results last June did not arrive by chance. “They were all planned and that included taking the athletes there one week earlier to get accustomed to the high altitude,” he said.

He said he wanted the athletes to know that in Monaco there would be some new disciplines such as gymnastics and beach volleyball, while sailing will be back. He added: “We will not accept anyone with ear-rings and anyone looking like a hooligan in our contingent. Sports is a way of life and everyone has to show commitment. Moreover, we will not compromise with anyone on standards. We will not be giving out holidays to anyone. Those who make it to the contingent should know beforehand that they will be competing against top athletes – in Andorra there were Olympic medallists and semi-finalists – and therefore everyone should be well prepared,” he said.

He told everyone that the MOC will not be accepting mediocre performances. “We are now preparing our athletes for a lifetime (12 years) in sport, not just to compete in an event,” he added.

He assured every prospective athlete that they will all be given their due. “You will also be tested every six weeks so that we can assess your improvement. I am sure that the federations who have nominated you are well aware of your potential. You have to work hand in hand with the coaches, with the national associations and with the MOC to reach a fine point of performance peaking. That is how you will be able to earn your place in the MOC team. It’s up to you now,” he stated.

He also said the MOC officials worked almost five hours every day for them to prepare the road for participation in such events. “What we expect of you in return is 100 per cent effort. We shall never compromise on that,” he added.

Psaila also said that before Andorra, Malta had wasted a whole 18 months. “Had we taken care of our athletes as we should have done, we would have won 10 to 14 more medals. Now we look forward to Monaco. Let us start working now. We have to keep going. Every day has to be a step closer to a greater success in 2007. We have a challenge; let’s not lose it,” he said.

‘We believe in you’ – MOC president

MOC president Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco also addressed the athletes during yesterday’s meeting – a prelude for others to be held from time to time in future.

He told them: “You are all here because we believe in you. You are all worthy athletes. But we will continue to insist on certain standards simply because we want you to be successful. We have to keep showing improvement, especially after the results achieved from the Games in Iceland onwards.”

The MOC president said it was because others were also improving that we had to show more commitment and dedication so that we also continue improving. “Before anyone dreams of participation in such Games, one has to be totally committed and show dedication in one’s preparation. You have to stand a chance of winning to make it to the MOC team,” he reiterated.

Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco finally appealed to the athletes to play fair. “We will not permit any nonsense. Sport is enjoyment, a way of life. As such we have to tell you that no abuse of drugs will ever be permitted. We will not forgive anyone connected with drugs, as there is no place for that person in the field of sport,” he said.

Finally he wished everyone good luck and augured success for Malta at the Games in Monaco in 2007.