Although the last few days saw past legend and present stars of athletics visit Malta in attendance of the EAA Calendar Conference, there are still those sceptical about the benefit, if any, derived by local athletics from this event.
It is, in some ways, a justifiable conclusion to reach yet one that lacks a certain degree of vision. Having worked tirelessly for the past few months to ensure the conference's success, Anthony Chircop is pleased that this has boosted Athletics Malta's international standing even though he promptly points out that "first of all let me say that if our reputation was not good enough they would not have entrusted us with the holding of the conference in the first place".
Even so, Chircop, Athletics Malta president, admits that they had "shown our capability when we held the European Throwing Challenge four years ago and have now again proved that we can work under pressure and organise meetings successfully."
"They were very impressed with the way the staff of the Malta Airport Authority took care of the arriving delegates. We are indeed grateful to the MIA and their staff," he said.
This brings into focus the hard work put in by volunteers during the days of the conference.
"One cannot organise an event of this size without the need of volunteers and here I want thank most heartily all those who were with us for long hours, some of them throughout the night at the airport waiting for delegates," Chircop said.
"Some things do go wrong but our helpers saw to that. Some delegates, including Sergey Bubka, lost their luggage and needed to buy new clothes. These things happen and one has to do the best to minimise the problem."
This treatment paid off as the EAA was quick to show its appreciation.
"On Sunday afternoon I had an hour long meeting with the person who was co-ordinating things from the EAA's side. She told me that they were very satisfied with the way we handled the conference," Chircop said.
Even EAA president Hansjorg Wirz was impressed.
"Mr Wirz told members that he was indeed delighted that a small association like ours have also managed to organise a 5K race to commemorate the EAA Conference.
"He congratulated our association on behalf of the EAA Executive for the way we handled things during the week."
In time, those congratulatory remarks will translate into the favourable approval of any financial and technical help requested.
Athletics Malta might have enjoyed a good reputation, but the European Calendar Conference has cemented that into the minds of those who count and that is the main reason why it was a success whichever way you look at it.