Team Malta were given a rousing welcome to the Melbourne 2006 XVIII Commonwealth Games while attending a function hosted by the Maltese Australian Professional Association Victoria.

Over 800 Maltese-Australians attended the activity.

The evening proved to be a great success and was a highly emotional event which should certainly spur the Maltese contingent to go for gold during these games.

Earlier in the day Maltese-Australian female shooter Rebecca Madyson placed second and won the silver medal in the Olympic Trap Badge competition.

The MOC Commonwealth Games contingent entered the Athletes’ Village early on Friday morning and following a much needed rest met the other athletes resident in Australia.

There is a spirit of friendship between the athletes from the different federations. Late on Friday morning there were various training sessions although the shooters had problems withdrawing the guns from the authorities before all the problems were solved.

MOC President Lino Farrugia Sacco and Secretary General Joseph Cassar attended the meeting of the CGF – Europe and discussed various aspects of the Games.

Moreover, the Isle of Man delegation updated those present with their preparations for the 2011 Youth Games.

The Isle of Man Government is giving great support to these Games.

Scotland will be making a bid to organise the 2014 Commonwealth Games, although Canada and Nigeria will be bidding to host these Games as well.

Later on the Maltese-Australian Business & Professional Association of Victoria entertained the Maltese delegation at La Mirage Receptons (Oasis Room) at Somerton.

There was an Athletes parade, the playing of national anthems, speeches by Mr Herbert Portanier – President MABPAV, H.E. Dr I Fsadni – Malta High Commissioner, Pippo Psaila – Chef de Mission, and Mr Justice L Farrugia Sacco, President of the Malta Olympic Committee.