In a glittering ceremony to honour sports’ top achievers in 2014, held recently under the auspices of the Malta Sports Council and the Sports Journalists’ Association, it was evident that the organisers deserved a pat on the back for such a spectacular event.

However, I felt it should have been compatible with the main aim of the council, namely to promote a healthy lifestyle through sport in a country plagued with youth obesity.

The opportunity to give the top place to vigorous sports disciplines was missed.

We are offering role models in activities that do not require any physical exertion, which is the real essence of sport.

On the other hand, I have to state that activities like billiards, chess, darts, table soccer and similar non-vigorous activities have an important role in this hectic world, offering a measure of relaxation, especially when our children are glued to the computer.

May I therefore suggest two categories for the awards: category one reserved for sports on the Olympic programme such as athletics, tennis, basketball, swimming and so on, and category two for activities that are not on the Olympic programme, like snooker, 10-pin bowling, car racing and similar pursuits.

I may be exposing my old wrinkled neck to the national chopping block but I must confess that this suggestion comes from a personal experience forged 70 years ago when I was very active in athletics and football, fully aware of the high level of physical fitness that is required for vigorous sports.

I also fully admit the complete relaxation felt when playing billiards, chess and similar pastimes after my studies or a day’s work.

Furthermore, such games/activities offer senior citizens the opportunity to still be active and socialise at a time when vigorous exercise is no longer recommended.

To have a level playing field, the best solution is to have those two categories.