I would like to salute Marco Manara, a unique waterpolo player who is an example of sportsmanship, selflessness, loyalty and endurance.
Marco has made Sliema ASC and Maltese waterpolo proud, setting a unique record in local waterpolo - winning the championship for the same team over four decades: in the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 2000s.
A player with class and calibre, he has played competitive waterpolo at the highest grade from the young age of 14 to 38 years.
He started playing for Sliema in 1978 - a 24-year long and successful career till last year. He retired in 2001 but that was only temporary as he came back to the first team to win both the league and the cup helping Sliema qualify for the first time to the second round of the European Cup.
His first waterpolo league title goes back to 1978, before the birth of a good number of players in the 2002 championship edition.
His resolution and tenacity meant that, in his outstanding career, Manara has won 10 league titles, eight knock-out titles, three winter leagues and two President's Cups. He also captained the Sliema team for 10 years - an unsurpassed record - and the national waterpolo team for eight years.
He was ASA Player of the Year five times, Sportsman of the Year 1987, triple crown winner in 1986 and quadruple crown winner in 1998. He was captain in 1998 when Sliema were named Team of the Year.
Opposing teams feared and admired Manara for his skill and mastery of waterpolo over these four decades. He was always a Sliema man through and through but, as a true gentleman, respected all opponents and his attitude has been reciprocated by one and all.
Club loyalty
Manara is an example of selflessness and loyalty. From 1977 to 1991 he played for a pittance that was not worth a bun and a soft drink! From 1992 he started being paid but his loyalty meant he never negotiated a contract with the club.
During those years, hard-working Marco studied and entered University where he graduated in Pharmacy. Being a pharmacist, married to Emma with three children, and such a successful sportsman, he has shown that sacrifice means that one can achieve seemingly impossible goals.
My son Edward is very privileged to have not only played but also won the double with Marco in the team. He holds Marco in awe knowing that in his first championship win in the late 70s my son was not even born.
Manara was to Sliema what water is to life. Sliema can boast the greatest footballer in the late Tony Nicholl and the greatest waterpolo player in Manara. I think the club should officially honour Manara in a fitting fashion.
Way back in 1993, when the newly-refurbished premises were completed, the committee decided to call the pool 'the Edwin Meli Pixxina' a tribute befitting a devoted club president.
May I suggest that the present committee do likewise by naming the club house after Marco Manara. Surely, all members and supporters will agree that these two gentlemen synonymous with the Sliema Aquatic Sports Club are 'a cut above the rest'.
I wish Marco all the best for the coming season when he will be coaching Exiles.
His vast knowledge of the game will surely help many up and coming players in the game as, I know from first-hand experience, it has helped my son. And staying power, sportsmanship, class and dedication will be, I'm sure, an example to many.