Adam Vella was named wrestler of the year for season 2011-12 during a dinner held recently also to mark the 43rd anniversary of the Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation (MAWF).

During the season, Vella, who was also voted best wrestler in 2010-11, won four gold medals in 60kg category competitions at home and abroad.

Besides his remarkable success in the Wales Open, the Malta Open (twice) and the Bradford tournament, the Stella Maris wrestler also secured the 60kg title at the National Championships, a fitting reward for his dedication to the sport and the commitment he shows during training.

During the presentations night, a number of other awards were distributed to other wrestlers.

Veteran wrester George Vassallo won the 2012 Malta Open and the National Championship in the 74kg category while Andrea Saliba claimed silver in the Wales Open.

Aidan Buhagiar, Malta’s 96kg champion, took gold in the Wales Open and silver in the Bradford tournament.

Veteran Abraham Vassallo, a former multiple wrestler of the year award winner, was successful in all international competitions he took part in last season.

Besides winning the 84kg national title, David Zammit, another dedicated wrestler in the federation’s fold, competed in all internationals, winning the 66kg at the 2011 Malta Open.

Leading cadet Gary Giordimaina (Naxxar Club) maintained his progress by topping his category in all international competitions and that also included the Malta Open, Wales Open and the Bradford tournament.

Giordimaina also won his category at the Nationals.

Other cadets who left a good impression during the wrestling season just over were Daniele Zingariello (Stella Maris Club), Deon Sant (Qawra Club), Franklyn Sciberras (Naxxar Club), Mark Galea (Naxxar Club), Wayne Formosa (Naxxar Club) and Ali Farshan (Stella Maris Club).

The awards were presented by Simon A. Bonello, the long-time MAWF president.