End of an era as rich legacy is bequeathed

At the beginning of this month Robert Ebejer stepped down as president of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta and was succeeded by Austin Sammut. Ebejer speaks to Alex Vella...

When Robert Ebejer took over as president of the ASA almost two decades ago not many thought that he would become such an influential figure in building the aquatic disciplines in our country on solid foundations.

The man's shrewdness in administrative matters has surely singled him out as one of the most hard-working presidents the ASA has ever had.

What was the reason behind your decision to stand down?

I have always believed that the people at the helm should not stay on for more than ten years. I have been advising club delegates that it was beneficial for the ASA to find a replacement, someone with new ideas. However, I must also say that unfortunately certain derogatory comments some time ago spurred me on to take this decision.

How long have you been connected with local aquatic sports?

At the 1978 AGM, I was elected general secretary, and served under the presidency of Bertie Muscat, Judge Gino Camilleri, Joe Refalo and Magistrate Silvio Meli.

I contested for the post of president and was elected in 1991. This coincided with the relocation of waterpolo to the Marsascala pool.

Undoubtedly, the construction of the Swimming Complex at Tal-Qroqq brought the biggest change as we could plan ahead an annual programme of activities and organise international events all year round.

Do you regard these years as an adequate stepping stone for the future administration of this sport?

We have tried our best, and yes, I believe that we have succeeded in placing our administration at a good and acceptable level. However, we have to admit that we have somehow been lacking in the aspect of public relations, especially now that this has become most vital for any administration.

In Malta, waterpolo has been the mainstay of the aquatic sports, while swimming has been seen as the younger sister. What is the reason for this?

We must admit that swimming practically started in Malta in the early 1990s, when it was confirmed that the GSSE 1993 were to be held in Malta.

Before then swimming events and waterpolo matches were held in the sea, and training depended on the temperature and weather conditions. The few swimmers we had were training only to participate in galas. One cannot promote and improve swimming in just three months of the year.

However, this discipline is now becoming quite popular and attracting a number of youths. Clubs are contributing considerably towards this.

It seems that people at the helm of this sport, like so many others, are destined to come from clubs. What is your opinion?

I believe that this is natural, and perhaps the main reason is that all officials in our association are volunteers. Only the technical people receive some remuneration.

Can you imagine someone dedicating practically all his free time for a sport which he does not really care for?

A person, with administrative experience, who I recently approached and encouraged to stand for president, replied: 'It is a challenge and would be interesting, but I am afraid that this enthusiasm will not last too long as I do not have the love of the sport'.

There has been some progress in Maltese swimming.

Results achieved lately in the GSSE have unfortunately shown that although our standards are improving, we are not keeping abreast with other nations. This is due to many factors. However, I am sure that lack of real competitive swimming is one of the main reasons.

Our elite swimmers have to travel to participate in meets and compete alongside stronger swimmers, but unfortunately this has not been possible lately due to the lack of funding.

Do you agree that the national waterpolo team has maintained progress in relation to that of other countries in our category?

As I said, since our athletes started to train throughout the year we have made great strides. I believe that to date we have managed to maintain the desired levels, but it is very difficult from now on to continue to progress at the same rate.

I have always maintained that we have quality but we do not have the quantity.

What has given you most satisfaction during your term of office?

The bronze medal won at the European Waterpolo 'B' Championships in Stockholm was undoubtedly the biggest satisfaction I had. I must also admit that I got a great sense of accomplishment every time we organised a European event.

Will your links as a member of the LEN Bureau be affected now that you are no longer president of the ASA?

I have retained the post of LEN Bureau Member since 1993.

I last contested for this post in September 2008 and should stay in office up to 2013. Afterwards it will depend on the ASA to nominate me should I decide to contest again.

I must admit that I have enjoyed the experience and have contributed with my interventions towards the development of aquatic sport in general. I have recently chaired a commission appointed to study and report on the development of waterpolo in those European countries where this game is not so popular.

The report was approved by the LEN Bureau and should be implemented as from 2010.

Undoubtedly, the ASA has gained as a result of my presence in the LEN Bureau.

To say the least, the ASA won the support of the majority of LEN members every time our association made a bid to organise a European event. I am sure that I will continue to get the same support while I am still in office, as much as I am sure that I will continue to offer my backing to the ASA.