Ta’ Qali pavilion set for major facelift in summer

The basketball pavilion in Ta’ Qali will have a more modern appearance by the start of next season as the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) has embarked on a project to upgrade its facilities.

Addressing a news conference during which the draws of the BOV KO semi-finals were made, MBA general secretary Frank Camilleri said the association has already begun works on the project which will see the construction of new dressing rooms for players and improved supporters’ stands.

“This project has been in the pipeline for a few years and after the government promised to help us, we immediately issued the go-ahead for works to start,” Camilleri said.

“This is a very important project for our association as we feel that adequate playing facilities are essential to maintain the growth of basketball in Malta. The government’s assistance is of vital importance and we are grateful to Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli for his backing.”

Works on the project, which is estimated to cost around €500,000, are underway as new dressing rooms are being built at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion. However, the project will reach a crucial stage in the summer as the construction of new stands and works to improve the playing court will commence when the current season ends.

Camilleri explained that this project is sponsored by the government who, apart from allocating funds, is also supplying the construction workers through its Resources Department.

“We are confident that the works will be completed by the time the new season kicks off on October 1, 2011,” Camilleri said.

“The five-month summer recess should give us ample time to finish all the works. We have no doubt that the improved facilities will spur the players to a better performance on court and that will automatically attract more visitors to the pavilion, thus increasing the popularity of the sport.”

Bank of Valletta, who have a long-term partnership with the MBA, declared their full support for the project at yesterday’s news conference.

“Bank of Valletta is a major supporter of such initiatives on the Maltese islands,” Edward Muscat Azzopardi, the bank’s marketing director, said.

“We believe in the potential of the Maltese athletes and providing better training and playing conditions is conducive to better performances, both on a national and international level. We are hopeful that more spectators will come to watch matches at Ta’ Qali.”

Meanwhile, the draws of the BOV KO semi-finals were made yesterday.

In the men’s competition, holders Athleta will face rivals Luxol while in the other semi-final, Loyola will meet the winners of the preliminary round tie between Depiro and Siġġiewi. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 26-27.

Hibs, the holders of the women’s KO, were drawn against Athleta while the other last-four match will see Luxol take on Depiro. The two semi-finals will be played on February 25.

BOV KO semi-finals draw
Men’s Division One: Loyola Tata Motors vs Depiro/Siġġiewi Derby; Athleta A to Z Electronics vs BUPA Luxol.
Men’s Division Two: Floriana vs Starlites; Siġġiewi Vida vs Miscela D’Oro Mtarfa.
Women’s KO: Athleta vs Hibs Medsea; Alyssa Ashley Luxol vs Depiro McDonald’s.