The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) has announced a team of four athletes to take part in the inaugural Youth Games in Singapore between August 14 and 26.
“The Youth Games are a perfect opportunity for our youths to compete in an international sport, while they also become engaged and develop a deeper understanding of the Olympic values of friendship and respect,” MOC general secretary Joe Cassar said.
Those making the trip to Asia are Jeremy Saywell (judo), Tamara Vella and Marija Sciberras (athletics) and Mark Sammut (swimmer). Saywell will be the flag-bearer.
Cassar said the Youth Games were designed to provide an enriching experience to all participants, which goes beyond the mere agonistic competition.
“This new format was purposely intended to reach out youths by strengthening the connections between sport and education,” Cassar explained.
Although the sport featuring Singapore will mirror those of the Olympics – 26 events in all – unlike the Summer Games, the youth athletes are expected to stay in the host city to participate in cultural and education activities.
They will have the opportunity to get up close with role models, including the likes of Usain Bolt, and hear them share personal experiences about the true Olympic values.
Workshops will be held to learn about health and nutrition matters and finding the right balance between competition and studies.
In accordance with IOC regulations, only youths between 14 and 18 years are allowed to participate but contingents had been restricted to a maximum of 70 for a total of 3,500 athletes.
No records or timings will be registered as the Olympic values will take centre stage.
MOC director of youth Envic Galea said the selection process was determined by the IOC itself, following submissions made by the respective National Olympic Committees.
Saywell, Vella, Sciberras and Sammut had also received a scholarship through the Olympic Solidarity Fund. Galea said that the MOC had to change plans half-way through the preparation after one of those selected – a shooter – opted out.
The MOC contingent for Singapore, which leaves on Monday, will be headed by Cassar, the chef-de-mission, and coaches Alex Bezzina and Jennifer Henry.
Meanwhile, MOC vice president Julian Pace Bonello yesterday congratulated William Chetcuti for his fine showing at the World Double Trap Championship in Munich on Thursday.
Chetcuti, he said, was leading the standings during the opening stage of the ISSF shoot and was a whisker away from qualifying for the final with the world’s top six.
“This was Chetcuti’s best performance so far this season,” Pace Bonello said.