Almost 700 people packed The Oasis Room to welcome the Maltese athletes and officials who received a standing ovation as they entered the hall for a special dinner dance organised by the Maltese Community of Victoria.

The atmosphere was electrifying and everybody was emotionally moved by the wave of patriotism which manifested itself.

The idea of organising this fund-raising function for the Maltese contingent participating in the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games was first discussed in a committee meeting on 10 February last year. The idea was developed further in subsequent committee meetings and the idea was received enthusiastically, so much so that tickets were practically booked out almost three months in advance.

Speeches were made by Mr Herbert Portanier – MABPAV President, H. E. Dr. Ivan Fsadni – Malta High Commissioner, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco - President Malta Olympic Committee, and by Chef de Mission Mr Pippo Psaila who also introduced the athletes. Vic Smith was an excellent Master of Ceremonies, and the music was in the competent hands of Mario Sammut who had also kindly arranged for singer Irene Attard, and for dance group The silhouettes to perform during the evening. It should be noted that all donated their services free towards this worthy cause.

One of the many highlights of the evening happened when Irene Attard invited the women’s basketball team onto the dance floor while she was singing. The exuberance that followed was infectious and very soon the rest of the athletes and officials streamed onto the dance floor to enjoy themselves to the delight of all present.

To say that the function was a success is an understatement. The following are a few comments from people who attended: “really proud to be Maltese”, “great night had by all”, “congratulations on a very successful event”, “It would have been worthwhile even if only to see the Commonwealth Games team dancing on the dance floor and enjoying themselves. That in itself would have been a great inspiration for them as well as a team bonding activity. You could see that the officials were very enthusiastic in encouraging even the older ones to join in. In many ways it was so much more than a fund raising event. Everyone was caught up in the excitement as the evening unfolded and would have to regard it as a massive success”, “there were moments during that event, particularly during the anthems that I felt great pride and emotion at being part of this wonderful occasion”; “A most enjoyable function. It will definitely go down as a historic event in the annals of the Maltese Community of Victoria”, “Well done! Congratulations to all committee members who did a great job”, “I think everyone left quite satisfied and impressed”; “I have never witnessed such a lovely crowd and such an outpouring of national pride”