From these columns I congratulate The Malta Olympic Committee, in particular its President, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, and its Sports Director, Pippo Psaila, for their strong speeches to the Monaco 2007 Games for European Small Nations Games prospective athletes.

Last Thursday they held the first of a series of meetings with these athletes and, to the delight of many, including yours truly, there were several new faces among those present. Many of them were youngsters in the 10-12 year bracket, most probably gymnasts and sailors, but all appeared eager to be forming part of the Maltese sports family, even at such a tender age.

Mr Farrugia Sacco and Psaila laid the emphasis on commitment, determination and dedication and I was glad to hear their strong words. It was not just an appeal to the athletes to do their job. It was also a strong and clear warning that unless they make the grade, there will be no compromise, that is, they will not be able to make it to Monaco, or any other competition under the aegis of the Malta Olympic Committee.

I was glad to hear Pippo Psaila telling the athletes that the MOC was in no position to be sending anyone for a holiday. Gone are the days when Maltese officials and athletes would be glad just to take part in a competition abroad. We used to be told that our athletes gained valuable experience, but then … ?

Yet, this time, both Psaila and Farrugia were clear in their message to the athletes – success is the norm nowadays. And everyone has been made aware that to be successful, one must make a lot of sacrifices, apart from being dedicated to the sport they represent.

It is obvious that the MOC is intent on continuing the successful trend which started with the Malta Games in 2003 and then continued increasing considerably and almost regularly from the Iceland Games till last June’s Games in Andorra where Malta obtained its best result ever away from our shores.

Last Thursday, all prospective athletes were made aware of what the MOC expects of them if they wish to form part of the Malta Olympic team.

Two other things which I agreed with is the stance they have adopted with regard to ‘hooligan-looking’ athletes and the fact that the MOC will stand no nonsense with drug abusing athletes. “These, especially those wearing ear-rings, are unacceptable to us,” the athletes were told. Moreover, the athletes were also told bluntly that they have to play fair – cheaters will also have no place in the MOC team.

It might have been tough on the athletes present to have heard such strong words in this regard, but that, in my opinion, is the right approach and mentality which our top officials have to show with our youngsters, especially those who are genuinely interested in making a career out of sports.

There should never be any space for leniency. The parents of the athletes must also be made aware that there is space in this hectic world for sports and study to mix together. Otherwise, there would have been no Andorra success as that registered by our athletes there. Where there is a will there is a way. I am sure that with the full cooperation of the parents, and with the expert tuition of the coaches employed by the associations with the help of the MOC, our youngsters will reap the success desired in 18 months time.

The MOC seems to have taken the bull by its horns and some might say that it is still too early to start preparing for the 2007 Games when the concentration at present should be on the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next March.

But considering that at the Andorra Games, the levels were much higher that those prevailing two years previously in Malta, then I must also agree with the MOC that the athletes must start their preparations now. As Pippo Psaila said quite rightly: “Every day has to be a step closer to a greater success in 2007.”

Of course, it is a challenge and not only for the athletes. Their coaches and respective federation officials must also be commended. They also make almost the same sacrifices as the athletes for better standards in Maltese sport.

If athletes, parents, coaches, federations and the MOC work hand in hand, I am sure that Malta will reap very good results in Monaco.

Henry Brincat

Sports Editor

[email protected]