The Bank of Valletta has extended its sponsorship agreement with the Malta Basketball Association with regards to the Knockout competitions organised by the association.
In a news conference yesterday at mid-day, Magistrate Antonio Mizzi, president of the MBA, said it was now the 10th year in succession that Bank of Valletta were sponsoring the KO competitions, adding that except for a short period between 1993 and 1996, the Bank has been the competitions’ sponsors since 1980.
Magistrate Mizzi said the sponsorship covers all levels, that is, the Men’s national league, Women’s first division and Men’s first division.
He also said the sponsorship has also been extended to minibasket (Under 7-13 years). “This is a very important agreement for the association as it is from that sector that we pick our talented youngsters. So far we have had our first player, Josephine Grima, who is playing abroad for Priolo in the Italian League. In future we hope that three or four others will make the grade and go and play abroad, but these are still very young and have to develop their talents further,” he said.
Mr Charles Borg, executive head at the office of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, said the BOV was very happy to be associated with basketball once again. “We know that the game is popular in Malta and the sponsorship falls in line with our policy of giving assistance to the community, as sports is one of the items which the Bank intends to help, among other sectors,” he said.
He also gave an indication that the Bank might also be involved in helping the association in future projects.
He augured success to the association, especially the women’s team which will be taking part in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March.
Commenting about the women’s team, Magistrate Mizzi said the squad is holding training sessions as planned in view of their Melbourne participation. “We will be giving the names of the 12 girls to make the trip to the MOC by the end of the month. The squad will also be travelling to Priolo, in Sicily, to continue with its preparations under coach Prof. Santino Coppa. They are scheduled to play some friendly matches during their stay there,” he said.
Magistrate Mizzi also said that despite the changes which were forced on the team due to several departures, he felt that they could be competitive in Melbourne. “We are proud that we are one of just two European teams taking part and our girls obtained their qualification on their own merits,” he said.