Delays undermining athletes' preparations - Chircop

Maltese athletes' preparations for next June's Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) are being undermined by delays in works on the resurfacing of the Marsa athletic track.

Anthony Chircop, Malta Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA) president, said the track has been virtually inaccessible for a month now, causing great discomfort to athletes, especially those in the GSSE squad.

"These delays are badly affecting the preparation of our GSSE athletes," Chircop told a news conference outlining the MAAA's activities and initiatives for this year.

"For the GSSE, the new track will be as new to us as to our rivals. It is indeed a pity that planning has digressed so much. We were assured that work was to be completed in time for the GSSE," Chircop said.

Asked whether the association feels that there is a realistic danger that the Marsa track would not be ready in time, Chircop said: "We have been told that it should be ready and we hope this materialises. Work is now due to begin tomorrow (today)," Chircop remarked optimistically.

"For nine years, the MAAA has been trying to assume control at the athletic stadium... the difficulties created by these delays have indeed strengthened our conviction that this is the best way forward," he added.

On a more positive note, yesterday's meeting was held at the MAAA's newly-acquired premises in Marsa. Describing the new headquarters as modest, but functional, Chircop said the inauguration date has been set for June 2 to coincide with the opening day of the GSSE.

Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), is expected to be present for the opening. Diack will be in Malta for the opening ceremony of the GSSE.

The setbacks caused by delays in the resurfacing works have not dampen the spirits of the MAAA, Chircop said.

"We are planning to field a 35- to 37-strong contingent in the GSSE since we intend to be represented in as many events as possible," he said.

The MAAA president said some events could be omitted due to lack of participation. The women's shot putt and 400m hurdles have already been ruled out.

Meanwhile, the MAAA has decided to switch two international meetings to the St Aloysius Athletic Track.

The Friendly International Meeting, which has now established itself as an annual appointment in the MAAA calendar, will take place today. This event provides Malta's elite athletes with an opportunity to pit their wits against foreigners currently in their pre-season training here.

Athletes from Ireland, Wales, Germany and England will take part. Present for yesterday's news briefing was Michael Quinsland, head of the Irish athletic delegation.

Saturday will see another international meeting, featuring the participation of athletic teams from Ireland, Wales, Libya and Malta in a quadrangular event commemorating the MAAA's 75th anniversary.

"These next few days will not only serve as a test for our athletes but will also help us to decide on the selection of our GSSE team," Chircop said.

The MAAA must submit its final list by May 10. Tanya Blake, who has been recording some encouraging times in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m of late, will be the only foreign-based athlete in the team.

Blake has been in possession of dual citizenship for the past three years now. She relinquished her right to run under the British colours to represent Malta in international competitions.

Thanks to the support of the Malta Olympic Committee, Raschid Chouhal is currently undergoing a training camp in Canada while fellow sprinter Mario Bonello has just returned from training in Italy.

Chircop, who congratulated architect Jesmond Mugliett on his re-election to Parliament and for being handed ministerial duties for youth and sport by virtue of his commitment, said the sports ministry has also aided the MAAA's purchase of equipment.

"In our bid to cut a good figure in the forthcoming GSSE, we had to fork out a lot of expenses. We estimate that Lm10,000 have been spent to this end," Chircop said.

A new set of throwing implements has been installed along with a modern electronic timing and a false start judging system. The latter has become a prerequisite for the organisation of international meetings.

Maltese athletes will also figure in the European Cup (Second Division) in Denmark on June 21 and 22. They will form part of a combined team of the small states of Europe. Another major event is the World Championship in Paris in August. Here, two athletes (a male and female) will represent the country.

The MAAA will also send U-23, youth and junior category athletes to three main European events in July.

Chircop announced that four athletes have just established a milestone in attaining qualifying standards for the World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke, Canada. These are Jeandre Mallia, Charlene Attard, Celine Pace and 15-year-old Lara Scerri.

Euro coaches' seminar

Malta has just been selected as the venue for the European Athletic Coaches Association's annual congress between November 7 and 9.

The congress, at the Coastline Hotel, will be presided by Frank Dick, EACA head. Hanzjorg Wirz, the president of the European Athletic Association, has also accepted the MAAA's invitation to attend.

The seminar will come to a close with a gala dinner during which the MAAA's annual awards to athletes will be presented. This would be the climax to the MAAA's 75th anniversary celebrations.

The MAAA is also in the process of publishing a book, written by the late Louis A. Grasso, documenting the association's history since its foundation on November 29, 1928.