Former Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) vice-president Michael Gialanze passed away yesterday.

Until some years ago, and for the best part of two decades, he was chairman of the ASA Swimming Board and was instrumental in revitalising the sport here.

A medical doctor by profession, Gialanze organised various swim meets here which also comprised swimmers from different European countries.

He started the ball rolling in 1994 when he master-minded the first Easter International Meet at Tal-Qroqq’s National Pool, an event which is still being held annually.

Dr Gialanze, a former Neptunes WPSC vice-president, was well-known not only as an administrator but also as a track and field athlete of quality.

In fact, he represented the country at the 1958 Euro Championships in Stockholm, having competed in the 400m.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Gillian, his son and daughter, Christian and Nicola, and his grandchildren, besides numerous friends and sports lovers.