These last 12 months marked another year in the history of the Badminton Association, a year full of activities. It was a year characterised by the protagonists in individual and team competitions. It was also a period which saw Maltese badminton leaving a positive mark on the international scene.
The 32nd National Championships lived up to reputation as the major event in the calendar. Since the 1998 edition, this event was designated as the Paddy Stubbs Championships in memory of this great philanthropist and sports benefactor.
National title winners:
Men's - S. Salomone. Ladies' - J. De Giovanni. Men's doubles - R. Salomone/S. Salomone. Ladies' doubles - J. Cassar/C. Dimech. Mixed Doubles - C. Dimech/K. Vella.
It was the first national singles title for Stefan Salomone who, along with twin brother Robert, also won the first doubles title.
Singles League winners:
Division One: 1. K. Vella (Pawla Wolves); 2. S. Salomone (Birkirkara). Division Two: 1. M. Farrugia (Birkirkara); 2. J. De Giovanni (Birkirkara).
Doubles League winners:
Division One: 1. K. Vella/R. Abela (Pawla Wolves); 2. R. Salomone/S. Salomone (Birkirkara). Division Two: 1. C. Salomone/K. Mallia (Birkirkara); 2. D. Abdilla/ K. Gambin (Birkirkara).
The past year also saw another edition of the National Junior Championships. These were the winners: U-14 Boys' singles: S. Cali. Girls' singles: J. Grech. U-17 Boys' singles: E. De Giovanni. Boys' doubles: E. De Giovanni/B. Bezzina. Girls' singles: M. Borg. Girls' doubles: M. Borg/F. Farrugia. U-20 Boys' singles: A. Bezzina. Boys' doubles: A. Bezzina/A. Chetcuti. Girls' singles: M. Borg.
During 2003, the association further improved its collaboration with the European Badminton Union (EBU). As part of the EBU's development strategy for the Mediterranean region, various activities were organised here.
A training course for umpires was conducted by Mojmir Hnilica (EBU Director of Events). The course covered the finer technical points of the game, from an umpire's viewpoint. Service judging was also tackled.
Two top Danish coaches, Peter Mouritsen and Thomas Frej, were in Malta conducting a week-long training camp for players and coaches. Theoretical and practical sessions were combined to tackle topics such as routines and coaching of children.
Norman and Christopher Spiteri attended a week-long Badminton Summer School in Denmark. The school was run by top coaches who instructed the participants with the latest knowledge of the game.
International scene
On the international scene, a Maltese selection was in Northern Ireland for a tournament organised by Whiteabbey Badminton Club.
In the team event, Malta placed third, behind Ciyms and Whiteabbey. Kyle, of Scotland, were fourth. The Salomone duo won the doubles competition while Konrad Degabriele and Aldo Polidano placed third.
The Maltese players did equally well in the mixed doubles event. Fiorella Farrugia/Stefan Salomone placing first followed by Maria Borg/Konrad Degabriele.
The fourth Malta International Youth Tournament featured young players from two other countries. In addition to the Maltese squad, the event also saw the participation of Hurlford Badminton Club, of Scotland, and Whiteabbey BC.
Whiteabbey won the team event. They were followed by Malta 1.
In the Individual event, Jim Brennan (Whiteabbey) won the men's singles. Kellie O'Flynn (Whiteabbey) won the ladies' singles while Maria Borg (Malta 1) finished second.