Maltese interest at the London Games is not restricted solely to the competition arena and the performance of the five members in Team Malta.

Athletes always hog most of the limelight at such big-scale events but behind the scenes the organisation requires the sterling contribution of other people, most on voluntary basis, to make sure competition runs smoothly and without a hitch.

Jesmond Caruana, Dion Buhagiar and Envic Galea are in the UK capital this summer, joining an international array of officials co-ordinating and judging at the 26 sport the IOC has in calendar.

This is the first time that Caruana is officiating at an Olympics and the Maltese federation president is keen to make the most of the occasion. In London, he is fulfilling the role of technical controller.

“This is a great achievement not only on a personal level but also for our sport. To be represented here means more prestige to the Maltese federation,” Caruana told The Times.

“Me being here is a clear sign of appreciation from the international body. They know we’re doing a good job in our country to promote the sport.”

Caruana has nurtured a lot of experience in officiating at international events.

In fact, in the past few years he was in the adjudicating panel in several world and European championships.

During his stay in London, Caruana will also attend an international congress during which he will continue to promote the Commonwealth Championships in Malta between April 22 and 28, next year.

“At the congress I will give Commonwealth country delegates the latest updates on our preparations for next year’s championships in Malta,” Caruana said.

“The main objective will be to persuade as many nations as possible to participate.

“Some of the delegates here in London have never been to our country before so it’s important for us to give them all the assurances they need and information required on our plans.”

In London, Buhagiar is in his second Games assignment as four years ago he was also among a group of archery officials at the Paralympics in Beijing.

The former Malta archery champion has been an international judge since 2002 and since then he has acted as technical delegate at two world championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

As member of the international judges committee, his job is to conduct seminars besides being responsible to select officials at major events. However, the committee has no say in the list of officials for the Olympics. They are selected by the world body.

“Four years ago I was proud to be among the judges in Beijing and London is equally remarkable,” Buhagiar, the general secretary of the Malta Archery Association, said.

“The aura that surrounds these competitions is incredible.

“The race for medals is tight and that makes our job even more difficult.”

Galea needs no introduction to the judo scene.

Considered among the most experienced officials not only in Malta but also on the international scene, Galea has served on the Executive Committee of the European governing body of the sport since 1991.

In London, he is currently filling an advisory role for the International Judo Federation in off-field matters.

“This position is keeping me busy all days of the Olympics,” Galea said.

“I’m scheduled to attend daily meetings where we discuss various matters, mainly to correct any errors that might crop up and to further devolop the sport.”

For Galea, the London Games have an added source of satisfaction.

“My daughter Luisa is also here and among the long list of volunteers selected by the organisers for the Games,” he said.

“To be able to share such an adventure with her makes these London Games even more special.”