An opening ceremony and competitions from various sport yesterday characterised Day One of the 64th edition of the FISEC Games which are being hosted by Malta.
A colourful parade was held at the National Park Theatre in Ta’ Qali, grouping together the young student athletes hailing from various part of the European continent including Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and England.
They were joined by the Brazilian contingent who kept their annual appointment with the festival of sport and friendship by making the long trans-Atlantic trip to the Mediterranean island.
As the Armed Forces band entertained those present with their marches, the FISEC Games flag was raised and the Olympic torch lit to herald the start of competitions which come to a close next Wednesday.
Athletes and officials were addressed by FISEC international vice-presidents Lies Jansen and Louis Borg and other messages of welcome and loyalty to the sport were read out by young participants as emphasis was made on the motto adopted – ‘Giving is Joy’.
The ceremony proceedings were under the direction of Julie Bajada, CIRPP secretary general within FISEC International.
There were mixed fortunes for Maltese athletes in their first outings at the different venues hosting the Games, yesterday.
In basketball for boys in Ta’ Qali, Malta lost to France 101-24 and in Futsal the Brazilians lived up to their reputation as no.1 contenders after beating Malta 5-0 at the University Sports Complex.
A derby between two football teams representing the host country at the Sirens Ground was won by Malta ‘A’ who beat Malta ‘B’ 4-2.
The Malta ‘A’ handball team figured in two matches at Tal-Qroqq yesterday. They lost to France 22-9 but then beat Malta ‘B’ in their next outing 18-7.
The Maltese girls’ volleyball team started their tournament on a bad footing at the Cottonera Sports Complex after a 3-0 upset to Holland.
However, in table tennis the locals finished the day with two bronze medals after third place finishes for the boys and girls teams represented by Andrea Portelli and James Camilleri and Genovese duo Teresa and Sacha.
Competitions continue today with the first heats in athletics, at Marsa, and swimming, at the National Pool, likely to attract the most interest.
FISEC Malta are being assisted by Kunsill Malti għall-Isport, Tourism Authority, Banif Bank, Eurosport, General Soft Drinks, Tal-Lira, M. Demajo Group, Vodafone, Emotion Signworks, ap9 Promotions and Alfa Limited.