It has been a hot, hectic week for most of the team taking part in the Island Games in Sicily last week. 23 athletes took part in the COJI GAMES – SICILY 2006 coming back with 12 medals with an overall placing of 10th out of the 22 islands participating.
The colourful opening ceremony took place in the stunning Greek Theatre in Syracuse.
It was a beautiful spectacle that ended with colourful balloons symbolising each island being released and propelled into the blue sky. Ten athletes from each island marched around the theatre. The Malta placard was carried proudly by athlete Owen Camilleri.
Athletes from 22 islands competed in ten different sports, which were divided between the cities of Palermo and Syracuse. Malta took part in Athletics, Swimming, Judo, Gymnastics and Sailing.
All the athletes gave their utmost in the sweltering heat, and obtained brilliant results. The athletics team clinched seven medals – two Gold, one Silver and four Bronze.
The gold medals were won by the female relay team (4x400m) consisting of Francesca Xuereb, Martina Xuereb, Diane Pace, Dorianne Micallef; and Francesca Xuereb in the 400m female event. The silver medal was won in the 4x100m relay female team with athletes Christabel Attard, Rebecca Sare, Francesca Xuereb and Martina Xuereb. Bronze medals included 200m female: Diane Borg, 400m female: Martina Xuereb, 400m male: Matthew Crocker and 800m female: Francesca Xuereb.
Our sailors once again walked away with four medals at these games. Ella Fleri Soler earned a silver medal for placing second and another silver for the girls’ team even when she teamed up with Louisa Manduca.
Gabriel Pace got a bronze medal for placing third and a silver for the boys’ team event together with Sean Borg.
This year a small contingent from swimming took part for the first time and Talisa Pace managed a time of 2.18.32 helping her to win a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle.
This year was also a first time for the gymnastics contingent.
The boys team, composed of Jeremy Saywell and Terence Gatt, left a good impression with their performance which, however, for this year was an exhibition event.
The girls’ team did well too with Sonia Schembri placing 4th in the vault and Roxanne Bonnici also placing 5th in the bars.
The judo team, made up of Aaron Bezzina and Karl Lewis Cardona-Fiott, fought well but were eliminated after two rounds.
After four days of intense concentration, our young athletes finally earned a well deserved rest.
The closing ceremony was held in Palermo with a well known Sicilian Band playing contemporary music. Our athletes enlivened the show with their dancing. Malta was awarded a trophy for placing 10th, which is quite an achievement compared to islands with teams of more than a hundred athletes.
The Canary Islands were the overall winners, with Sardegna placing second and Sicily third.
(Pictures and story provided by Dr Lucienne Attard of the Malta Olympic Committee)