As a new year gets under way, it is appropriate to ask the president of the Malta Olympic Committee what lies in store for Maltese sports in 2006. Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, the MOC president, is quite confident that results for Maltese sportsmen and sportswomen will continue to show progress, especially at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

He said: “2006 will be another very active year for the Malta Olympic Committee. We are determined to keep on improving our standards in the various departments which we have set up. Since 1997 the results obtained marked a considerable improvement, and all the Federations and Directors want to keep on reaching higher standards. Apart from that, we are committed to hold on to the high international image we have managed to set up. Moreover, various Directors occupy international sports posts which are bound to prove advantageous to Maltese sports and even to Malta in general.

We shall improve our headquarters, open the Sports Museum, organise the Olympic Day Run and other events (like we did in 2005 the Queen’s Baton relay, International Literature Competition, Seminars and Courses, Malta Sports Awards). Throughout 2005 the Web Page has been revamped and we hope to make it more interesting in 2006.

What are the expectations of the MOC in relation to the Commonwealth Games?

The Commonwealth Games are very high standard games where athletes from various great countries take part. In some events the level is comparable to the Olympic Games although, naturally, the Commonwealth Games can be compared more to the Mediterranean Games as regards standard and exposure. About 70 countries will be taking part in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne among them some big guns like England, Australia, Canada, India and various African Nations. No wonder therefore, that the level is very high. However, the expectations of the MOC are quite high and we hope that, as we have been doing in the last decade, our results will be the best ever in these Games. Hopes are centered around William Chetcuti in shooting, but we are also hopeful of other possible chances of good results in the Games.

What financial support does the MOC require for 2006?

We will get help from various international institutions like the International Olympic Committee, the European Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games and other International Institutions. However, we shall need great financial support also from the Government. Last year’s government grant amounted to Lm150,000 and that landed us with over Lm50,000 deficit and has drained substantially our reserves. It is imperative that if we need to keep our present momentum, government provides us with a substantial grant. Commonwealth Games are expensive Games and although the numbers of participants are not those of the GSSE, travel expenses are much higher as we shall have to go to Melbourne to participate in the Games.

Apart from the expenses required for participation in the Commonwealth Games, we need to give financial grants for the approved technical projects of the 47 sports federations affiliated to the Malta Olympic Committee; we also have to run a functional diagnostic lab, clinic, sports museum, and various other projects. Unfortunately as yet we still do not know the government’s contribution for 2006.

Have relations with the government improved in recent months?

I must state that on a personal basis both the Minister for Education, Youth and Employment (including Sports) Dr. Louis Galea, as well as the Chairman of the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isports Mr Franco Azzopardi are friends of mine and our relations are those of good friends. Naturally we do not always agree on some aspects regarding sports, but I feel that in the last year, relations have improved. When the MOC disagrees, it is because it feels the need to insist on the needs of its 47 affiliated federations, and the thousands of athletes involved.

Is there anything new on the agenda – new schemes, new projects, new developments?

We are working hard on the development of the Sports Museum, Academy, Library and Hall of Fame premises which will be situated in our old headquarters in Valletta. We have refurbished most of the place, but some areas still need fine tuning. We hope that during 2006 these premises will be re-opened to the federations and to the general public. Moreover, we would like to involve to a greater degree our juniors and athletes from Gozo. We have already worked hard on the Talent Identification Scheme but we are working on a project which would involve the most talented youngsters in Malta. Also, I believe that there are various athletes in Gozo whose sports abilities are not being tapped on enough. Australia has also many Maltese athletes of high level but we need to get to know these even better to see who of them can represent us and what their level really is. We would like also to maximize more on PR.

Are there any new Maltese athletes from abroad for 2006?

There are some cyclists and shooters who at the moment are residing abroad and who could possibly form part of the Maltese contingent. We believe that including athletes of Maltese origin who reside abroad will further improve the level of sports in Malta. Apart from obtaining good results such athletes are bound to help us improve on training schemes, nutrition and other aspects.

What is the MOC’s role in developing Malta as a sporting nation and developing a sporting culture?

The Maltese, by nature, can achieve good sports results but very often are not willing to make sacrifices. Although facilities have improved enormously since 1990 we are still behind in various sports facilities. I believe that sports facilities in schools should be made available to the public naturally under certain conditions, and that the facilities available should be upgraded from time to time. Moreover, back in 1996, I had emphasised the necessity of a complex embracing the headquarters of various smaller federations as well as a multi-purpose hall and offices. This would be of enormous support to Maltese sports. The MOC is willing to help in a project of this kind as it always did in the building of all other sports facilities like the National Swimming Pool Complex, the Corradino Sports Centre and the University Sports Hall. Sports can also be used to help in Malta’s tourism.

Can Maltese athletes be used in some form of ambassador programme or as role models for Maltese youngsters to inspire future athletes?

Success in high level competitions will naturally make younger generations more keen on sports in general and in particular in those disciplines where athletes have triumphed. Like students copy their teachers, younger athletes are bound to use established and successful athletes as role models. That is why we insist so much that our athletes have to be well educated and set the right examples not only in sports but also in their behaviour in life. Our best athletes could serve as ambassadors of sports and in promoting Malta’s image.

What is the MOC’s role in boosting sports participation in Malta?

We believe that sports should start in the families and in clubs and the best athletes would then be identified and selected by national federations. It is the duty of the national federations to invest and actively participate in their best talents. The MOC’s role is centered mostly round elite athletes but at the same time, like the IOC, the MOC is bound to give the right direction to a ‘sports for all’ programme. That is the reason why you have fun runs, literature competitions, and sports and culture events organised by the IOC. Also Sports must be utilised as an educational subject. The MOC’s success is bound to boost sports participation in Malta.

The growing number of young people affected by obesity and worrying trends show that young people are not doing enough physical exercise – what can the MOC do to help?

Although the MOC will definitely help, if requested, in projects of this nature, I believe that such plans fall more in line with those of the KMS and the educational authorities. However, we are certainly willing to help with expert knowledge from our technical staff from the Functional Diagnostic Lab and from our clinic.

Are there any specific lobbying programmes for more assistance or tax breaks from government or help from Local Councils?

I do not believe that sports at elite level should have any form of taxation. I think that even participation of national athletes in tournaments abroad, should be supported and should not be in any way subject to any form of taxation, whether this refers to equipment, travel or otherwise. Perhaps the government could also provide tax holidays to firms sponsoring sports events. Moreover, on various occasions we started discussions with Local Councils to improve the level of sports in Malta. Unfortunately the success in this field has been quite limited and I look forward to a more sustained project together with some of the Local Councils.

How will the MOC be assisting its members in 2006?

First of all the MOC will be giving various grants to its associations as well as scholarships to a number of athletes. These will naturally depend on government support as well as support by international institutions. We are working on these two aspects and hope to reap fruitful results. Moreover, we shall provide various athletes the possibility of participating in various sports competitions foremost among which will be the Commonwealth Games. We shall be providing our clinic as well as the Functional Diagnostic Lab, the Talent Identification Scheme and support from our technical staff. There is no need to say that we have excellent contacts with international bodies, and this is manifested from the extremely high number of international positions occupied by sports officials in the MOC. I think that the MOC is represented in sports international bodies to a higher degree than ever before.

Will the MOC be continuing with the Elite/Aspirant Athletes Scheme in 2006?

The MOC has, in recent months, not only strengthened the Elite and Aspirant Schemes but have now included in its programme the Outstanding Athletes Scheme of which up till now there is only one beneficiary – William Chetcuti. The Elite Scheme will once again be utilised by various athletes whereas the Aspirants Scheme will provide the possibility to a greater number of athletes to upgrade their sports level.

At the MOC we feel very positive about 2006. May we take the opportunity to wish health and happiness to your readers.