Army and police meet in sports' court

Police officers and army soldiers replaced their uniform for sports gear yesterday and took up pool cues, darts and footballs during an event which saw them facing each other across sports courts.

The event, formally known as the annual Armed Forces of Malta vs Police Sports Day, was held at the Luqa Barracks in a bid to raise funds for charities.

Throughout the day, the police played football, basketball and volleyball against AFM teams consisting of privates and officers.

The barracks, normally swarming with uniformed men going about their business, were considerably more colourful as men and women kitted out in sports wear dotted the grounds, busy practising or warming up.

In the gym, players and audience intently followed every match, as both sides were wholly focused on beating the opposition.

The first football game, a showdown between senior army officers and the police, was won by the army officers, who triumphed with a score of 9-2. Each goal was greeted with loud cheers.

A block away in the Fitness Centre, where dart boards, table-tennis tables and pool tables were set up, the atmosphere was considerably different. Police and army officers leisurely played a round or two of pool or darts, chatting casually between each game. The event was presided over by AFM Commander Carmel Vassallo and Police Commissioner John Rizzo, who kicked off the event in the morning.