The veteran sports journalist Simon Bonello was honoured for services to sports journalism by Malta Olympic Committee Chairman, Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco during the committee’s annual media breakfast.

In a lengthy presentation, Justice Sacco outlined the considerable improvement made by Maltese athletes during the past year especially the work done during the last edition of the GSSE where Malta achieved a record 29 medals which were 8 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze also achieving a 4th placing overall which was the best result ever.

Judge Sacco explained that from 1997 onwards, Malta vastly increased its medal haul and tally, a clear indication that increased investment definitely brought about good results. He also showed an analysis where Malta placed 5th overall in the total medal standings since the GSSE’s inception showing that we have come a long way through our result in Liechenstein.

Judge Sacco also mentioned the debate currently ongoing on the Friendship games and whether these were to be organized by two or four countries. He also explained the work which is currently ongoing in the MOC’s Medical Commission as well as the formation of the Malta Olympic Committee Sport Tribunal.

He also gave an extensive list of projects which the MOC will be undergoing over the next years including the creation of an Olympic museum as well as the participation in the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic games. Judge Sacco indicated that six athletes would be participating in these games although this number could increase if some athletes excelled themselves in the future.

Judge Sacco said that the MOC would continue to participate in several youth games such as COJi and the EYOF where a contingent of two athletes participated last July and improved their personal bests against rather strong opposition. He also revealed that the Commonwealth Games will be taking place in the Gold Coast, Australia in 2014 and Malta would also have a strong contingent there.

Another important appointment for local athletes will be the GSSE to be held in Luxembourg in 2013 where the Maltese contingent is expected to be quite strong. Judge Sacco also outlined work being done at the MOC Academy as well as the considerable technical training being undergone.