From months ago, many believed that Malta (having a transitional and inexperienced squad after some of the 2003 regulars were not available) was crazy to participate at this level, even though the qualification was legally obtained, as large defeats, and possibly great shame, both locally and amongst the Australian-Maltese down under, for the Maltese colours, were expected.

In August I had written in this same column that such thinking was also coming from official national organisations and in fact up till just three months from the start of the Games, Malta’s participation was still in doubt as discussions (of possibly withdrawing the team) were still being done both locally and even with the Melbourne Games organisers although finally an official decision was then taken to participate in Melbourne.

Even the local basketball federation was divided as a sort of clubs’ committee was formed and it opposed strongly the Melbourne venture both due to the opposition to be encountered and even because the local female competitions were to be disrupted.

This is not an excuse but these negative and uncertain indications surely did affect somewhat the team’s preparation.

At the end, Malta’s performance was satisfactory, especially when looking at the opposition. These were not the Small Nations’ Games and even though they finished in eighth place, there were some very encouraging moments especially in the two games against Malaysia who are ranked much higher than our girls. Personally I think that Malta did a generally good job and much more than I expected against top-level basketball nations.

As I stated in past columns, had Malta presented the best possible squad and entered into the competition in sound, physical shape (this is a must that I expect from any athlete as it boils down to no technical ability but just a strong personal will and sacrifice. Maybe the players, in the past months, could have worked harder in this regard and also made better use of the MOC’s fitness and medical structure/expertise), Malta could have easily registered a historic win or two last month.

Overall I think that all the girls gained important experience (and opened their eyes to what top competition and preparation really is) and this could be a stepping stone to a new positive phase (where young players could now have a new incentive to work hard on their game) which could lead to excellent results (such as those of Malta 2003) in future apart from making them eager to prepare themselves and fight hard to win another qualification (if everything regarding qualification from the European zone remains as it is and does not change to subjective selections), in the European FIBA competitions during 2008, for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Malta’s participation also opened a great personal opportunity for me as I was able to be nominated by FIBA to represent Malta as a referee in the Games. I wish to thank everybody who genuinely offered help, support and appreciation.

However there was some personal disappointment as I felt that some recognition from certain sectors was lacking from before the Games. It is natural that referees do not form part of the athletes’ group that are to compete: yet they are also officials, albeit having a direct influence on the sport and not just assisting and/or accompanying.

A referee may not have an opportunity to win events and medals but can also be an ambassador for/carry Malta’s colours in various stadia. I do not expect referees to form part of the official contingent, for obvious reasons of un-biasness and impartiality, yet I expect that in the least, as a natural point of principle possibly prior and after the competitions but not during, a referee who is going to represent Malta should be recognised for meetings/invitations.

In most of the other individual sports, the MOC has rightfully and intelligently set standards (which obviously vary with time) and only those athletes who achieve the requirements are allowed to represent Malta. In past columns I have backed and congratulated openly this professional MOC policy as every athlete is always having new targets to aim for and which would put him/her at a reasonable competitive level in the international field.

National sports organisations like the MOC and KMS already, from the outset, face an arduous task of having a weak and generally lazy sporting culture in Malta where most of us are reluctant to put in some sacrifice and embark on a consistent and targeted training programme.

However sound schemes have been launched in the last years and the investment is already reflecting on the results. Obviously more financial resources and funding would be welcome (generally there was always a limited and modest budget but results have still arrived, let alone with more funds available) as even certain lesser developed countries beat us in this regard.

I fully concur that it would be great to have more investment in sport. Could this, i.e. funding for new large investment sports-related projects/schemes, be had from public sources right now? Given the present state of economic affairs I do not think so as the country is reportedly passing through a transition phase and corrective national measures are being taken in view of the future and thus monies for large investment projects might be temporary limited in a general way (I am in no way stating that the government cannot or did not aid sports but only that one cannot just presently rely on this source).

My belief is that more public help for sports at a national level could be available in a few years’ time if all the national general plans do go generally according to plan and materialise.

Thus, in the meantime, I think that the private sector, through sponsorships or otherwise, have to be also targets as short term benefactors for major local sport programmes such as a potential Beijing 2008 medal.

As for future participation in the Commonwealth Games, the MOC has been promised (according to www.lightthetorch.net) $150,000 in technical aid from India and other sponsors in their training and preparation for the upcoming Games in Delhi 2010.

Melbourne was a success story but we live in a dynamic world and thus one cannot stop and be happy with the result. Satisfaction and appreciation (towards the athletes and the MOC in particular) are a must but then one must start again to look forward and work toward new targets. Here is to hoping that last month’s venture will be a stepping stone and a learning ground for future, further success.

(Part 1 was carried in last Friday’s issue)