New Level One coaches at MCF

The Malta Canoe Federation (MCF) annual awards ceremony was held recently.

Marking the end of the canoeing calendar for 2005, federation president Julian Mamo touched on the year's gains and losses. More coaches were enrolled and there was steady progress in sprint racing as interest in the innovative canoe polo is growing.

This, however, was in contrast to the news that the federation is to lose its premises in the near future, which would terminally impact not only racing but also coaching and polo.

In fact, it is now obvious that the federation needs larger premises not only to house two top class racing boats and the impending arrival of a fleet of canoe polo boats from Sicily, but also to accommodate separate changing facilities, training, gym and social areas that have been previously overlooked.

Importantly, with the current trend towards accountable adventure sports service providers and the need for locals to be able to participate and enjoy the sport in other European countries, the MCF has started making proficiency tests mandatory for its members as of 2006.

As such the first batch of Level One coach assessors received their certificates along with a number of canoeists who had passed various levels of proficiency throughout the year, 22 in all.

Those receiving their Level One coaching awards were the federation's own PRO Ian Busuttil and Chief Steward Joseph Borg, along with Dorian J. Vassallo, Steve Polidano and MCAST's Adele Muscat.

They also received their Canoe Safety Test and Two Star Test (personal proficiency award) certificates along with Sergio Attard and Ian Fenech of Mosta Scouts, who are also due to take their assessments as Level One coaches.

Those obtaining their One Star Test certificates included Ferdinand Demicoli, also from MCAST, Debbie Caruana Dingli, Tara Baldacchino, Caroline Gauci, Micelle Gauci, Caroline Cassar, Denise Busuttil Giorgio, Ryan Schembri, Peter Borg Constanzi, James Zahra, Max Borg Bonello, Paul Sapienza, George Baker, Glen Micallef, Glen Garzia and Kai Cauchi.

The traditional awards, voted for by federation members, included a new category for contributions to canoe polo. This was carried off by Dr Mamo with Daniel Cauchi, of the Medical School Canoe Polo Team, a very close second.

Best contribution to racing in 2005 was secured by elite athlete Chris Camilleri who attended both the ICF training camp and contested the World Championships last year. He is tipped by the International Canoe Federation's technical director as having the potential to reach the semis or even finals in two years' time if he continues at his current rate of development.

Best contribution to coaching showed the widest spread of voting. This was won by federation secretary Craig Wightman, with Dorian Vassallo and Adele Muscat both close runners-up. Best novice was junior member Kai Cauchi.

During the winter months most young people are, as in other water sports, dissuaded from participating by parents erroneously concerned about cold-water immersion. Although only 13, Cauchi impressed with his keenness by turning up for training in the coldest of weathers.

The final 'accolade' was the now quite famous Wally of the Year Award for the most unfortunate capsize or incident.

This went to the irrepressible Joe Borg for a failed seal launch sliding sideways off the dock rather than forward and a spectacular capsize during the Safety Test assessment, thereby demonstrating to his peers 'how it should not be done'.

However, it has to be said that Borg took his award in true spirit of sportsmanship.