The end of games press conference organised by the Malta Olympic Committee was dominated by the MOC President’s outburst towards the organisation of these games by CONI Sicilia, and towards certain results obtained by the Maltese athletes.
Apart from results these results which he did not single out, Farrugia Sacco also attacked some local federations who in his opinion are not sending the best athletes for these games. He said that if some federations wanted to give a chance to others, they should do so in other competitions which they organise and not in such games.
He said that local federations, especially the smaller ones with less international exposure should be more prepared to grab these opportunities and prepare professionally for these.
Lino Farrugia Sacco also criticised the locals’ attitude in the “after summer” period. He said that it is clear that Maltese athletes are not prepared to sacrifice the summer periods to be fully prepared for events immediately after this period.
Farrugia Sacco started his speech with harsh words towards the Sicilian organisation of these games. He said that we are at a point where the MOC is seriously considering our future participation in such games if the organisational level is not drastically improved.
The president’s speech was not centered on negative aspects only as he said that he was more than pleased with certain results obtained. Although not mentioning it directly, Danica Bonello Spiteri’s win in the triathlon yesterday morning, and also Nicole Gatt’s national records in weightlifting which gave the MOC a great satisfaction.
Other very good results were those obtained in Bowling with some impressive scores, and the table football event where the Maltese proved to be a span above the rest.
Other speakers were Secretary General Joe Cassar who said he was disappointed with the results obtained and also criticized the organizational shortcomings. Chef de Mission Tony Debono said that this was his first experience as a Chef de Mission and thanked all athletes for their behavior during this three day event.
Finally Vince Scicluna also thanked all athletes for their efforts and the team spirit shown.
This fifth edition went Sicily’s way who won six of the nine sporting disciplines, with the locals winning in table football, bowling and badminton. The greatest disappointment remains the surprise humiliating defeat suffered by the Pool team.
But the positive highlights of this fifth edition remain the results obtained by two small great girls, Danica Bonello Spiteri and Nicole Gatt.