BENNY PACE, of Valletta, writes:

Sport is nothing without the valid contribution of dedicated officials and administrators in our various organisations. Most of them do their utmost to carry out their duties the best they can... the contribution of a few of them is indeed special and never to be forgotten.

Prominent among these was Valletta-born William Apap.

Last week, he passed away, aged 85, after enjoying a lifetime experience in sport, particularly football, waterpolo, boxing, endurance swimming and American Pool.

His reputation as an ideal organiser was widely known throughout the last 40 years. He founded the Malta Boxing Association and the Pool Association (Malta) and organised several contests like tug-of-war, rowing, athletic marathons, wrestling and Strongmen Exhibitions. Apap was also the promoter when Arthur Rizzo and Alfred Kitcher became world champions in endurance swimming.

Popularly known as 'Willie', he was a proud son of Valletta and active in almost all sports practised in the capital city. He was secretary of the Valletta FC Supporters Club and member of Valletta United Waterpolo Club.

For many years, Apap lived in Gzira. He developed a soft spot for the locality as well and founded the Gzira Athletics football team in 1944. He was a committee member of Gzira United FC.

Apap also played a key role in several social events in the country. He was involved in Carnival festivities for many years and introduced the Vintage Classic Cars Exhibition.