Bank of Valletta (BoV) have extended their partnership with the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) for a 10th consecutive year.
At a news conference at the Ta' Qali sports pavilion yesterday, BoV were confirmed as the official title sponsors of the cup competitions organised by the MBA this season. Basketball at grassroots level will also benefit from BoV's financial support this year.
While expressing the MBA's gratitude at BoV's backing, president Antonio Mizzi said that this sponsorship agreement highlights BoV's commitment to the game of basketball in Malta.
"Bank of Valletta have been among the leading partners for our association for the past 20 years," Magistrate Mizzi said.
"Our relationship is getting stronger each year and we are extremely delighted that BoV have renewed their sponsorship agreement for our cup competitions.
"This year, BoV's financial help will also cover the youth section of the game through the mini-basket competitions.
"This is indeed a very important agreement as mini-basket is a key component in the development of basketball in Malta."
The MBA president also noted that basketball is among the sporting disciplines where participation numbers at youth level are constantly rising.
"This positive trend adds to the responsibilities of the MBA as we have to ensure that young players receive adequate training and guidance as they progress in their careers," Magistrate Mizzi remarked.
On his part, Charles Borg, Executive Head at the BoV CEO's office, stressed that they were keen to maintain their partnership with the MBA for many years to come, adding that their financial commitment towards youth basketball falls in line with the company's strategy to promote sport in the Maltese community.
"BoV's Community Programme for 2006 lays emphasis on a strong commitment towards sport," Mr Borg said.
"Our scheme is aimed at encouraging the development of promising Maltese athletes in all sport."
Mr Borg wished the MBA success in its future commitments, especially the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (March 15-26) which will see the participation of Malta's ladies team. Malta's opponents in the preliminary group stage are New Zealand, Nigeria and Malaysia.
Preparations of the women's national team for the Commonwealth Games are proceeding as planned, the MBA president said.
The roster of players travelling to Melbourne is due to be announced by the MOC at the end of this month.
Judge Mizzi announced that, after the end of the Peugeot League, the MBA women's squad will be travelling to Priolo, Italy to conduct a training camp with national coach Santino Coppa. The contingent is expected to leave for Australia in the first week of March.