The Maltese Olympic Committee has honoured Double Trap shooter William Chetcuti for a second time at an Olympic Games edition.

The Manikata-born shooter has again been named as Malta’s flag-bearer for the forthcoming London Olympics starting on 27 July.

MOC president Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco made the announcement on Thursday evening during an official Good Luck dinner hosted by the MOC a few days before the contingent leaves for London.

Farrugia Sacco also presented the Malta flag to Chetcuti in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli and the MOC general secretary Joe Cassar.

Chetcuti had been the local contingent’s flag-bearer at the Athens Games in 2004.

Chetcuti forms part of a small contingent of five athletes taking part in these Games. The others are swimmers Nicole Muscat and Andrew Chetcuti and athletes Diane Borg and Rachid Chouhal.

Addressing those present, Farrugia Sacco said it had always been one of his sporting dreams that one day Malta would be able to achieve medals at the top levels. “We have been successful on several occasions at the Commonwealth and Mediterranean Games, but an Olympic medal still eludes us,” he said.

He added that he felt the time was perhaps ripe for success at such a level. “Our athletes are all well prepared. Chetcuti is certainly our main hope for a medal. We only hope that he will be in the right form on the day (2 August).

“I augur the athletes a very positive performance at these Games. We all wish them the very best,” he added.

Farrugia Sacco also revealed that the Parliamentary Secretariat for Sport had also helped in the financing of the contingent for the London games.

Mark Cutajar, MOC Director of Sport, said that the Olympic Committee had been working for the past four years to achieve what he hopes will be the best ever results at an Olympic Games. “All five athletes have gone through several sacrifices to be able to be at their peak at the right time. We are sure that they are all eager for the start of the competitions and we are certain they will be doing their very best,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Puli said he was sure that no stone had been left unturned to see the athletes producing positive performances. “I wish everyone good luck,” he said.