MOC sets sights on 2011 Games

The Malta Olympic Committee yesterday spoke about Team Malta's performance in the Cyprus Games and also dwelt briefly on the selection process for the Mediterranean Games in Pescara later on this month.

MOC president Lino Farrugia Sacco admitted that results achieved by Team Malta in the Games were below expectations and added sights were already set on the next edition in 2011.

Before the Games, there were hopes that Malta would place fourth in the overall classification but at the end of the competitions sixth place was the best we could do with a tally of 21 medals, only three of which were gold.

"We all expected something better here. There were some pleasant outcomes, such as in gymnastics, sailing and shooting, but there were other sport, like judo for instance, where our expectations were much higher," he said.

"On our return to Malta, we'll have to start working in earnest on Liechtenstein 2011 not to fall further behind. Our main objectives should be to make sure that we'll continue to strengthen those areas where things are working out well and, also, to implement new measures to revive those sectors where we have struggled most."

The MOC head is not focusing solely on local matters.

Yesterday, he reiterated his fight to limit the number of foreign athletes in the Games.

"Our results took a nosedive but this negative downturn should not be attributed to our team's performances only but also to the fact that the number of foreigners competing in the GSSE has increased considerably.

"The GSSE International Bureau has already talked about this matter but with little success. But, we're not giving up and we'll continue to insist on this.

"I have already spoken to the new secretary of the Bureau, Angelo Vicini. He has promised us more discussions in our next meeting in November. One of our proposals will be that foreign athletes should be eligible to compete for a particular country if they have resided in that same place for at least five years."

Mark Cutajar, the MOC Director of Sport, mirrored the MOC president's thoughts on the Maltese team's fortunes in Cyprus. He said one area he wants to work on was the development of the upcoming athletes.

"One of the positive aspects of these Games was the crop of young athletes coming up," he said.

"We have to be careful in their development and, perhaps, introduce new incentives to maximise their potential. Kim Cassar, Daniel Bajada and Clive Farrugia, to name a few, to me look very bright prospects. So, it is our duty to help each and every one of them reach their goals. If this project works for us, the MOC will be in a better position to field a stronger team for the next two GSSEs."

William Chetcuti will surely make the trip to Italy for the Med. Games as the MOC president confirmed that the double trap shooter's name is on top of the list after underlining his credentials as one of the best in his class with a third successive gold medal in Nicosia.

"William will form part of Team Malta for Pescara, no doubt," Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco said.

"This decision was based on his fine showings. We have been monitoring others for the team but the final list will only be announced on Tuesday. Surely, those who did well here will be the ones we'll take into consideration first."

The comments was music to the ears of others vying for the Med. Games, including two other GSSE shooters, Nazzareno Attard, silver in trap, and skeet bronze medallist Clive Farrugia.

Air rifle targetman William Vella is another likely candidate after his third placing in Cyprus.