A man with a vision and a mission accomplished

As a Sliema supporter and an ardent follower of waterpolo, having also served on the Sliema ASC committee in past years, I feel I must pay tribute to the ex-president of the Aquatic Sports Association, Robert Ebejer, for the invaluable service he has given to aquatic sports in Malta and even as a LEN Bureau member.

Although his long uninterrupted connection in the service of local aquatic disciplines, especially waterpolo, has now come to an end after having been first elected on the ASA Committee in 1978 and then president in 1991, Robert has left a lasting legacy on our popular summer sports. He has been instrumental in introducing new administrative concepts, new regulations and a vastly improved competitive local and international calendar, while also putting Malta on the international map when attracting prestigious European events to our tiny island. In so doing he gained respect for himself and for Malta from the international aquatic sports community.

Above all, Robert was a real gentleman, able to communicate with all clubs in an excellent manner. His unselfish and untiring devotion to his role made him a man of vision, with a mission that was accomplished. He did indeed promote and enhance aquatic sports in Malta. Thankfully, his links with the sports will not be severed as he still forms part of the LEN Bureau. Thus our country can still accrue attendant benefits from this connection.

Robert will be missed, but I am sure my friend and old Edwardian, Austin Sammut, now replacing him as the top man in the ASA, will surely carry on where Robert left. Let us hope the clubs will give the new president the support he needs.

The work ahead is challenging - after all it took some time before someone accepted these new responsibilities - and demands a lot of dedication and sacrifice which on many occasions have not been appreciated well enough by the clubs. We all hope this attitude will improve. Thank you, Robert. Good luck, Austin.