Black day for Maltese gymnastics

Four of Malta's most talented young gymnasts were earlier this week denied the opportunity to compete in the Island Games in Crete in May.

At a meeting convened by the MOC, the Executive Committee of the Malta Gymnastics Federation (MGF) reversed its previous decision to accept the recommendation of the technical director to select Francesca Borg, Roxanne Bonnici, Nicolette Schembri and Audrey Schembri to take part in the Island Games.

When asked by the MOC to choose between sending these four gymnasts and sending no-one, and to make the best decision for the sport of gymnastics in Malta, four members of the MGF voted against sending these national champions to represent their country.

Perhaps, it is just a coincidence that two of the MGF members who voted against allowing these gymnasts to compete are coaches of a gymnast who was injured and placed sixth in the try-out for the Games.

I urge all gymnasts, parents, coaches and sports officials to protest. I feel that the MOC should over-rule this decision. After all, it is the parents of these gymnasts who would have paid for the trip. They would not be getting a cent from either the MOC or the MGF. Let common sense prevail!