World Cup player escort

Liam Harrison Buhagiar is the lucky winner of the player escort competition organised by McDonald's Malta.

Liam, an eight-year-old from Birkirkara, submitted his entry entitled For A Healthy Life I Follow These Steps which depicts him participating in gymnastics, athletics, judo and football.

His drawing has earned him a place as a player escort in the opening game of this summer's Fifa World Cup, to be held on June 9, between hosts Germany and Costa Rica.

The competition, organised between mid-March and mid-April, was open to all Maltese children between six and 10. They were required to draw a picture of themselves participating in their favourite sports.

The entries were judged by a panel that included Malta Olympic Committee members Pippo Psaila and Laurie Pace, Sunday Circle editor Ramona Depares, television presenter Peter Gauci and former football star Carmel Busuttil.

The player escort prize will consist of return flights to Munich for the winner and a parent or guardian, accommodation, sightseeing, meals and two category two tickets to the match. The player escort will also receive a rehearsal kit and an official match uniform including shirt, shorts, socks and footwear, as well as customised gifts and mementos to mark the occasion.