Malta Shooting Federation (MSF) president Saviour Portelli yesterday warned that William Chetcuti's participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics could be put in jeopardy if funds needed to assist the Double Trap ace to complete his preparation programme, are not allocated in time.
Portelli, who was talking to reporters at the Bidnija ranges, said over Lm90,000 were needed to finance Chetcuti's intensive Beijing schedule, prepared for him by the federation and the Malta Olympic Committee.
He said the federation did not have enough resources to fulfil this project and appealed to the government to find ways and means of providing the necessary funds so that Chetcuti can represent Malta in the next Olympic Games.
"There are huge expectations for William in 2008," Portelli said.
"His success in international competition this year has filled us with a great dose of optimism. We think he can score an exceptional result.
"But to fulfil this ambition he must train professionally... that move, inevitably, will cost us thousands of liri."
"William is our champion, he's a great shooter and a popular lad at Bidnija. It would hurt the Maltese to see him shooting for another country. We know other nations are ready to pay all his expenses with the condition that he wears their colours."
MOC secretary Joe Cassar was among the speakers yesterday. He joined Portelli in the MSF appeal for funds.
"The authorities have to understand that the Beijing Games represent Malta's best chance ever of an historic medal at this level, the first for us.
"It would really be sad for our sport to miss this opportunity. Chetcuti is a born champion and has achieved great results.
"We're sure he has enough potential to challenge top Double Trap shooters for a place on the podium in 2008."
During the past few days Chetcuti has been involved in a high-profile training camp at Bidnija, involving two world class shooters - Sweden's Hakan Dahlby and Mikko Makitolo of Finland. The upcoming Rodney Micallef also took part. Tomorrow, these four will shoot in a competition at Bidnija, starting at 10 a.m.
"This was a great occasion for me to practise with someone like William Chetcuti," said twice European champion Dahlby.
"He is one of the top Double Trap shooters around at present.
"To gauge my skills against those of such a talented shooter like him is something I was looking forward to.
"Next month, we'll meet at the finals in Dubai. I hope I can beat him for a place on the podium."
The training camp was organised by the MSF as a preparation for the World Cup finals in the United Arab Emirates.
Chetcuti, Makitolo and Dahlby have qualified along with the other six best performers of the year. All competitions will be held at the newly-built shooting complex in Dubai on November 24.
Chetcuti secured his place after a series of impressive showings in World Cup shoots this year.
His best result was a second placing in Belgrade last July. On that occasion, Olympic champion Ahmed Al Maktoum was first with Chetcuti winning the silver medal after edging Makitolo in a shoot-off.
Portelli said the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has promised Malta to hold a World Cup shoot in 2008, provided the MSF has adequate facilities.
"To hold a competition of that calibre we must have more ranges than the ones at Bidnija," Portelli said.
"ISSF rules state that to host World Cup events a venue must be equipped with at least four ranges. This means that new ones have to be built. We have already started discussions with the government and proposed five sites for development.
"We expect that this project is given due importance by all those concerned as it would significantly boost our country's image in sport besides favourable economic aspects that can be derived."