Chef de Mission and Director of Sport, Pippo Psaila hailed the Malta Olympic Team’s performance at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games as the most successful result Malta achieved in international competition.

Pippo Psaila said that not only the medal tally has proven the strategic objectives set for these Games have been reached, but even the 2 fourth places acquired in Weightlifting and Lawn Bowls as too the comprehensive results are all of a high standard. This has yet again proved that the preparation, selection and funding policy of the Malta Olympic Committee has reached the desired results. With more support and funding these results within the coming years can multiply to a more consistent and prestigious results which always make us Maltese proud of the national colours we don.

Pippo Psaila went on to say that it is high time that our athletes are treated with the same regard and respect of those of every country participating in these Games, where elite athletes are afforded the necessary support to fulfil their potential. Malta is amongst 20 countries who won a medal at these Games which means that 50 countries have so far failed to achieve this.

In the meantime, Mr. Psaila announced that William Chetcuti will be leaving Australia to compete in a World Cup in Beijing in China. This competition is being funded through the Malta Olympic Committee’s Outstanding Athletes Scheme.

Psaila confirmed that the Malta Olympic Committee will be working hard to ensure that female shooter Rebecca Madyson will compete in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.