Sportswriters Association to honour London '48 sprinter Jacono

The Sportswriters Association will honour former Olympian Nestor Jacono who 60 years ago represented Malta in the London Games.

In the 1948 Olympics, Jacono figured in the 100m heats after becoming the first Maltese athlete to travel abroad for an international competition by air.

Jacono was the only athlete walking behind the Maltese flag during the opening ceremony at the mythical Wembley Stadium.

He will receive his memento from the Sportswriters Association during the Sportivi Nazzjonali contest which will be staged at the Westin Dragonara next Sunday.

The presentations' night will be conducted by George Micallef and transmitted live on Channel 22, starting at 7.30 p.m.

Voting will be open until next Friday. Last year, there was an 82 per cent turnout by association members who total around 80.

Besides the recognition to Jacono, on Sunday the Sportswriters Association will also honour one of its veteran members who for the past 35 years contributed to raise the level of sports journalism and also the interest of sports in our country.

Past recipients of this award were Charles Fava, Lewis Portelli and Benny Pace.