Wilkinson Sword, a familiar brand name in shaving razors, will be sponsoring the national waterpolo competitions in the next three years. The new sponsors were unveiled yesterday by ASA president Robert Ebejer at a press conference which was also addressed by Simon Debono and Abner Grech, Marketing and Sales Managers respectively for Miller Distributors Ltd, agents of the product.

Wilkinson Sword will thus sponsor the National Waterpolo League in 2006 and 2007, the Winter league from 2006 to 2008 and the Knock-Out competitions starting from this season until 2007.

These details were given by Debono who said that Wilkinson Sword has always been linked to the highest standards and this was what waterpolo in Malta was akin to - impressive levels comparable with those of other nations with far greater human and financial resources than ours. He said he was delighted that the firm he represents concluded such an agreement "which should ensure the continuing development and strengthening of this sport in Malta".

The ASA president thanked the new sponsors and promised them support through publicity, urging the media to do their part in this regard.

"This year has been a challenging one for the ASA but it has also become a year of achievement for our association," Mr Ebejer said.

"Not having a sponsor for the 2005 national waterpolo championships seemed to be a daunting proposition, but in reality it turned out to be a fantastic opportunity to establish a relationship with a new sponsor, Wilkinson Sword, who have already demonstrated their commitment to our sport by extending the three-year agreement to include this season's knock-out competitions, starting this week."

Ebejer and Debono, assisted by Remy D' Amato, then conducted the draws for the Wilkinson Sword 2005 Knock-Out competitions beginning this week. This resulted in new champions Sirens being drawn against second-placed Neptunes in the first semi-final to be played tomorrow, followed by Marsascala vs Sliema in the second, scheduled for Thursday.

The draws for the Second Division KO resulted in Valletta facing Exiles and Ta' Xbiex playing against Marsaxlokk in the preliminary round. The winners of the former tie play San Giljan and Otters take on the winners of the second preliminary match.

During yesterday's event at the San Gorg Corinthia, Niki Lanzon (Neptunes) and Kurt Sciortino (Ta' Xbiex) were respectively presented with the first and second division waterpolo player of the year awards for 2004.

Galea award

Neptunes swimmer Angela Galea received a special award from the ASA after becoming the first Maltese swimmer to clinch a gold medal at the Games of the Small States of Europe when winning the 200 metres butterfly event in Andorra last June.

Concluding, Mr Ebejer congratulated the new league champions 2X Sirens, saying that this year's title race was the best and the most balanced league competition ever.

There were also encouraging signs of upgrading of levels in the second division. "Further progress," he said, "could come about if we re-engage foreign players in our competitions. I urge the clubs to vote in favour of the foreign player in the next Annual General Meeting."

The ASA president then referred to the programme of the national team, saying that there are plans for the team to participate in a tournament in Holland and possibly in the Commonwealth Championships in Spring, and eventually in the European 'B' Championships 2007.

He said there are positive signs of emerging young talent as a number of youth players are already commanding a regular place with their respective 'A' strings.

"I am convinced that the future looks bright for our game and assistance in the way of sponsorships like the one we have from Wilkinson Sword will be a further boost to the game," Mr Ebejer concluded.

2005 KO draw...

Div. One KO semi-finals

Tomorrow - 6.30 p.m. Neptunes Vodafone vs 2X Sirens

Thursday - 6.30 p.m. Marsascala Breakers vs Sliema Burger King

Final - Sunday at 6.30 p.m.

Division Two KO - Preliminary round

Today - 5.30 p.m. Valletta Fortina Rest. vs Exiles RMF; 6.30 p.m. Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise vs Marsaxlokk Freeport.

Final - Sunday at 5.30 p.m.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.