The Malta international Double Trap Grand Prix being held on 29 April at the Bidnija Ranges, has attracted the participation of some of the world’s top shooters from five countries, including, of course, Malta.

William Chetcuti and Nathan Lee Xuereb, fresh from their successful participation at the US World Cup in Tucson, will be Malta’s representatives.

It is well to note that Chetcuti will be defending the title he won last year. Xuereb will be competing among the seniors. In the first event two years ago, he had won the juniors title.

Officially launching the GP yesterday afternoon at Bidnija, Saviour Portelli, MSSF president, said shooters from Italy, Finland, Great Britain and Sweden will also be taking part, among them well known D’Aniello, Di Spigno and Innocenti of Italy, Dhalby of Sweden, Simo of Finland and Bob Chester of Great Britain.

Portelli said he was sure the competition will be of world level and issued an appeal to Maltese sports lovers to attend the event, not only to enjoy the shoot, but more important, to support the local shooters.

Portelli went on to say that after the US World Cup last week, this Malta GP will be the first event on the road towards the London Olympics in summer.

He added that after the Malta event, preparations will continue. These also include the London pre-Olympic competition to test the new venue, the Italy World Cup in Lonato in the first week of May, the European Championships in Cyprus in the third week of May, a training camp in London in the first week of June and a Grand Prix competition in Italy before the London Olympics.

Portelli said he was convinced that Chetcuti will again do his best to achieve what we are hoping – the first Olympic medal for Malta.

He said: “Our athletes have been working very hard. Every morning at 6.30, they are either at Ta’ Qali or at Zebbug for an 8km run. While Jimmy Bugeja is their technical coach, Jesmond Zammit takes care of their physical part and Edward Curmi trains them mentally. We are indebted to these persons who have gone through great sacrifices in helping our athletes to improve their performances.

“While Chetcuti now has the experience required for such top competitions, the 15-year old Nathan is integrating well into the system. Suffice to say that at 15 years he was the youngest ever shooter to win a barrage place at the US World Cup. And to think that Chetcuti had not even started shooting at that age, then I must say that we have another potential great shooter for the future.”

Portelli paid tribute to both shooters and said they had worked hard to achieve the success of last week. The emotional MSSF president outlined the road which led Chetcuti to success – a 12-year stint which started in the year 2000 when he took the presidency.

“It was not easy, especially to convince then then young William to change his discipline – from Trap to Double Trap. But after that, we never looked back. We knew we had potential and it was not just William. We started winning medals and since then, these have never stopped coming our way. The medals were won at Mediterranean Games, Small Nations Games, World Cups and other international competitions. And we will not stop here.”

Portelli went on to thank all the authorities, among them Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli, the MOC, the KMS, the main sponsors, Bank of Valletta and MiddleSea Valletta Life, Dr Carmel Cascun and all those who had offered their support. He said without such help, it would have been impossible for the federation to reach today’s targets.

“We believe and hope that other firms also lend a helping hand so that we will all have something to shout about in sport, especially in shooting,” he added.

Portelli then revealed that a shooting simulator had been bought and placed at the St Benedict College gym in Kirkop. “After this, we hope to set up a Shooting Academy to attract more youngsters to this sport,” he added.

Maltese Olympic Committee president Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco praised the efforts of Chetcuti and Xuereb, as well as their coach Jimmy Bugeja whom he described as “the main inspiration behind their success.”

Farrugia Sacco said the success achieved by the shooters confirmed that with commitment and dedication, our sportsmen could also win medals in top international competitions.

He then told Chetcuti: “I am sure that all Malta will be following your result at the London Olympics. I do not want to put more pressure which might affect your performance but I must tell you that the support of the Maltese public in August is guaranteed. Good luck.”

Maltese Council for Sport chairman Bernard Vassallo also praised the two shooters on their success in the United States. “It is everyone’s wish to see them both obtaining more success especially in their first competition locally – the Grand Prix.

“We have a packet called William for the forthcoming Olympics. We must all leave him working to produce his maximum in London.

“We also have to be proud of young Nathan. He also forms part of this formidable team which also includes Jimmy Bugeja. The latter has put aside everything to see these two shooters showing improvement to reach the levels they are in today. Well done to all,” he said.