Maltese athletes on final preparation in Italy

MOC Elite and Aspirant athletes - Therese Mallia, Mario Bonello, and Nicolai Portelli - are currently in Italy for a training camp. The initiative forms part of the MOC Elite Athlete Scheme which is sponsored by MIA.

In a statement, the MOC said Mallia, Bonello and Portelli qualified for the GSSE in Monaco next month and as part of their final preparations, they are staying and training at the CONI centre in Acqua Acetosa.

The Maltese trio will also take part in a Clubs' League competition in Rieti this weekend.

Also in the group are the promising Neal Borg and Mario Debono.

The training camp in Acqua Acetosa will come to a close on Wednesday.

The MOC Athlete Support Programme was established in 2001, as an important sports development scheme which has supported and provided funds to over 100 athletes from different Olympic Sports.

The objective of this scheme, the MOC said, is to encourage gifted elite and aspirant athletes to commit themselves fully to their chosen sport to nurture their potential and performances, thus increasing Malta's chances of winning medals.