I took the opportunity to meet with this energetic and enthusiastic young politician so as to discuss with him his reflections on his new post, the present local sports environment and his visions for the future of this sector.

Here follows the result of this interview:

Topic: A neo-member of the cabinet

The Prime Minister's show of trust, following that given by the electorate two days prior, resulted in an immense feeling of gratitude and personal satisfaction.

I was very satisfied to be trusted with the sport and youth sectors and I definitely look forward to this challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

The younger generation embodies the country's future and that future starts now. There is a lot of work that we can carry out in this sector for the benefit of youth and the country.

Sport has always been a mainstay in everyday life. However today we are looking at sport from different perspectives. Sport is no longer regarded a 'game' but rather a reflection of an advanced society. Without a doubt, we must look at sport with a professional attitude.

Topic: The sports scenario in Malta

During these first few days of tenure I have had the occasion to attend to quite a good number of sports events organised by different associations, ranging from Malta's 7-1 win against Liechtenstein at Ta' Qali, to Hudson Blue's triumph at the Marsa Race Course, to an international volleyball tournament at the Cottonera Sports Complex and an athletics racing activity at Dingli. Unfortunately I was not in the Netherlands to share the moment with Ryan Gambin, our national swimmer, when he qualified for the Beijing Olympics, even if I phoned him immediately to congratulate him on his feat. Unfailingly, you can feel loads of energy and enthusiasm wherever sport is concerned.

It is the stark truth that Malta is a small country and we have to accept the implied limitations. However this is no excuse to do away with the professional attitude. Our approach should be forward-looking and positive in nature. Rather than being engulfed by our smallness, we should be looking towards opportunities.

I believe that certain elements in the local sport environment have already succeeded, and maybe even reaped benefits, in adopting this approach. Others may have yet to discover the way.

Topic: Sports infrastructure

A lot of beneficial and visible work has been carried out in this regard in the past years.

Just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to attend to the presentation ceremony of a European volleyball competition, which was impeccably organised by the Maltese Volleyball Association, at the Cottonera Sports Complex. European officials, present for the tournament, positively noted the high standard of our facilities.

The government has not only built sports complexes but also has developed sport-related areas in various schools with the aim to do away with the old concept whereby schools closed their doors after school hours. Schools are to become community centres after school hours and the sport areas used by the same general neighbourhood community and sport clubs. Obviously building the sports infrastructure is only part of the process as one has then to plan acutely so as to provide all the necessary maintenance so that top standards are kept.

Topic: Sports Tourism

As stated earlier, the government has embarked on various projects to build good quality sport centres.

A number of associations are already making use of these facilities and have also been confident enough to bid, and subsequently win the same bid, to organize European level tournaments. The MSSF, now an ISF associate, table-tennis international tournament, attracting to Malta some 250 students together with a 100 officials from 19 different countries, is only the most recent case in point. Additionally, the private sector is also investing in this regard, obviously because they are foreseeing a future for this sector.

Sport, per se and/or even combined in a quality product with other cultural elements, can offer a healthy contribution to our economy. If we are ready to re-invest this money back into sport, the country will surely gain immensely in the long-term.

KMS (Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport) has already carried out a study that revealed the contribution of sports activities to the GDP. The potential is there but of course we have to invest and to work hard to reap benefits.

Topic: Sports in the school curriculum

Sports must be given a more definite role within the curriculum. A specialised sports school is in the government's plans but our vision extends further as we want sport to be part of the everyday lifestyle even for those who opt not to specialise in sport. Encouraging a sports culture, and increasing participation, is an arduous task but will ideally lead to a satisfactory level of fitness amongst the general population.

The latter has been termed as one having a high obesity level. The recent trend of an increase in sedentary lifestyles, especially among young people in this era of computers, is surely not helping in this regard.

Increased participation in sports and sport-related activities should help to fight off obesity apart from the undeniable fact that the country will also gain and benefit in its health bill in the long term.

Topic: EU and sport

Although sport was at times on its agenda, it is only lately that the EU has started to study and look at sport with acute detail.

As time goes by, one is seeing the launch of more EU projects and assistance programmes that could benefit or be usurped by local sports associations.

I am fully aware that there are associations that might not be in a position to seize these opportunities without help and thus we, notably through the KMS, should strive to provide the necessary assistance so that these same associations would be in a position to benefit from EU help and funds devoted to sports.

Topic: Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport (KMS)

The main role of the KMS should remain one of regulating and promoting sport in the Maltese Islands. Some operational reforms may be needed to achieve the best results.

Topic: Future

In the immediate future, government must concentrate on the initiation of those projects that it has already committed itself on, mainly the specialised sports school and the national rugby pitch, while at the same time maintaining the programmes and facilities that have already been introduced.

We shall be definitely working close with the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, the various Federations and Associations, the media and, of course, the athletes to achieve our targets.

Topic: Future (personal)

On a personal level, it is my aspiration that in the next five years I succeed in this new role I was entrusted with in the cabinet.

I am the type of person who embarks on a new project with great enthusiasm and the fact that a lot of my work will rotate around youths fills me with added motivation and energy.

Along the next five years, I will set personal targets so that at the end of my term I will leave these sectors in a healthier and better state than I found them when I started this new job. I will be greatly satisfied if this occurs.

End Message

My message, directed not only to sports persons but also to youths, is that one should strive hard to reach his/her maximum personal potential. The 'thirst' for improvement should always be present in our everyday endeavours.

* * *

Fact File

Name: Clyde Michael Puli

DOB: 13th September 1969

Age: 38

Birth place: Qormi

Married to: Maryanne

Children: Gabriel (5½ years)

Now residing: Qormi

Weight: 80kgs

Height: 5' 11"

Educational qualifications:

Masters Degree in Political Sociology from the University of Malta

Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Communications from the University of Malta

The favourite section

Food: Steak

Drink: Kinnie

City visited: Paris

Number: 13

Colour: Blue

Film: Braveheart

Actor/s: Robert de Niro

Author: Francis Fukuyama

Music: Sting

Football team/s abroad: Juventus / France

Sports: Horse Racing

Sport role model:

Michel Platini