His Grace the archbishop, Mgr Pawlu Cremona, will be meeting Maltese sports athletes and officials during a special gathering at the University Sports Hall, next Wednesday at 8pm.
The Maltese Olympic Committee president, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco said yesterday his committee felt it appropriate to request a meeting with Mgr Cremona, who succeeded Mgr Joseph Mercieca as archbishop of Malta last January.
The MOC president said it is the first time that such a meeting with the archbishop was being held. “It is a great satisfaction for us to see a token contingent from each of our 48 affiliated federations attending this special meeting. It is open to all athletes, but Team Malta, taking part in next month’s Monaco Games for European Small Nations, will also be presented to Mgr Cremona,” said Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco.
Speaking about the Monaco Games, the MOC president said all athletes representing the country will be of a good level. “We have not yet named the flag-bearer. The decision will be taken on Sunday evening, even if we already have a clear idea of who will be given that honour in Monaco,” he said.
He made a reference to the MOC slogan for the Games which is ‘Every winner needs a team’. He said: “I would also say that our team will have many winners.”
The name of the flag-bearer will also be announced during the meeting with the Archbishop next Wednesday. He or she will be presented to Mgr Cremona and that will be followed by the presentation of Team Malta by the MOC president, the general Secretary Joe Cassar and the Chef de Mission, Pippo Psaila, to His Grace the Archbishop.
Earlier, Mgr Cremona will be expected to arrive at the Hall at about 7.50pm. He will be concelebrating Holy Mass with some other priests at 8pm. Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco will address the gathering and then present a special gift to His Grace the Archbishop following which Mgr Cremona will also make a short address. Later he will be taken on a tour of the MOC’s premises nearby.
Pippo Psaila, Director of Sport of the Maltese Olympic Committee and Chef de Mission for the Monaco Games, announced yesterday that the members forming part of Team Malta at the forthcoming Monaco Games for European Small Nations will be announced next Monday.
He said that the MOC had been working on the squad for the past two years at least, but they have a clear idea of who will be making it to Monaco. “What we targeted has been achieved and the final decisions will be made on Sunday evening,” he said.
The official list of athletes and officials for the Monaco Games has to be sent to the Organising Committee next Monday.
Psaila added that there will be no limitations on the number of athletes because of lack of funds. “We can assure everyone that we do not have economic problems. All those athletes who qualify and deserve to take part in the Monaco Games, will be forming part of the Maltese contingent.”