Seven clubs from different sports yesterday received a much-needed financial injection in the shape of a sponsorship from Robert Arrigo and Sons Ltd.
Robert Arrigo, the director of the company that specialises in incoming tourism, took centre-stage as he handed cheques to the representatives of Gżira United, Għargħur FC, Swieqi FC, Pembroke Athleta, Gżira Boċċi Club and Ta' Xbiex Netball.
Sliema Wanderers, the chief beneficiaries of Arrigo's sponsorship budget which amounts to over €50,000, were not present for yesterday's presentation as they are mourning the tragic death of Mario Agius, the father of Edward Agius, the club's assistant secretary, and a close relative of Steve Abela, the president of the Premier League club.
Arrigo, who conveyed his condolences to the family of Mario Agius, explained that his company has three-year sponsorship agreements with the afore-mentioned sports organisations.
"The company I represent is committed to supporting sport and this explains our policy to sponsor these clubs," Arrigo, who had a trophy-laden tenure as Sliema Wanderers president, said at his offices in St Julian's.
"All these clubs have their own ambitions to move forward. Sports officials dedicate their time and, in most cases, money to keep clubs alive and their efforts deserve our appreciation. My appeal is for the business community to do more to help local sport."
While thanking Arrigo for his backing, the representatives of the clubs alluded to the ever increasing costs faced by sports entities at all levels.
Tyrone Demanuele, of Gżira United, said the loss of Albert Rizzo, who passed away a few years back, had left his club with an uphill struggle but Arrigo's financial support has gone a long way towards assuaging their financial burden.
Demanuele announced that the Division Three club have been given the green light to install an artificial turf pitch at the Gżira secondary school. Work on this project will begin on Monday.
Ron Naudi, representing Athleta Compleet IS, revealed that they have strengthened their first-team squad for next season with the addition of three new players, brothers Steve and Dirk Schembri and Kris Baldacchino.
Having thanked Arrigo for heeding his plea to increase Għargħur's sponsorship, Andrew Sullivan, the newly-elected president of the Division Three club, captured the attention of the reporters and his fellow club officials when he publicly declared that his club will vote for Norman Darmanin Demajo in the upcoming MFA presidential election (August 7).
"Our delegate is Mark Pullicino and I can tell you that he will vote for Darmanin Demajo," the outspoken Sullivan said when replying to a question about Għargħur FC's decision to nominate a new delegate.
Wanderers sign Obiefule
Sliema Wanderers have completed the signing of Obinna Obiefule.
The Nigerian forward, who had a short spell with Ħamrun Spartans last season, has been given a permanent contract by the Blues after impressing coach Mark Marlow during his trial with the club.