GSSE 2003 on right track

With 231 days left for the opening of the GSSE 2003 Malta, the international Executive Committee yesterday declared that the MOC and its organising committee were on the right track for a superb edition.

Speaking at the New Dolmen Hotel, Raymond Hasthart, secretary of the International Executive Com-mittee of the Games, and Reno Rai-mondi, head of the Technical Com-mission, said they were satisfied with the progress achieved so far.

"We visited all venues and hotels that will host the contingents next June and we were really impressed with the standard," Hasthart said.

"Certainly, the organisation is at an advanced stage even though some ironing needs to be done to make sure that the Malta edition will be the best ever. Some facilities, like the National Pool and the shooting range, need some upgrading."

Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, MOC president and head of the organising committee, said despite being on schedule they are still looking for ways to make the GSSE 2003 Malta even better.

"For this reason we have contacted several local companies, including Air Malta, with whom we are discussing possibilities of more partnership deals," he said.

A TV station in San Marino are also interested in buying the rights of the Games in Malta.

Besides the GSSE 2003, other issues were on the agenda yesterday.

The MOC president said the Andorra Olympic Committee had already sent a draft copy of the sport proposed for the 2005 Games. Mon-aco are GSSE hosts two years later.

The Andorra list includes cycling, judo, swimming, tennis, athletics, shooting, basketball (men) and volleyball (men). They have also asked the other GSSE participants to give their opinion on indoor football, Taekwondo and table-tennis.

Asked whether the GSSE could be expanded in future, Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco said that if others were admitted the expenditure of the organising country will increase besides having to wait longer to organise the Games.

Director of the Games Pippo Psaila said the MOC was pleased with the level of organisation reached so far but appealed for the public to join in the voluntary group for the Malta GSSE, expected to be the biggest ever with over a 1,000 visitors.

Jesmond Mugliett, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, noted that Cottonera Sports Complex will be unveiled in March. Apart from financial backing, special arrangements are being discussed with MITTS as regards technology aid as well.

Mr Mugliett added that 50 civil servants will join the organising team and the medical department will also give its contribution.