The Games of the Small States of Europe have always provided unforgettable moments of glory to cherish for Maltese sports lovers.
The ones in basketball rank high in this short, but significant, list of success and triumph.
The bronze medal the men's team won in the inaugural Games in San Marino, way back in 1985, and, more recently, the incredible gold won by the women's team in Malta 2003 will remain indelible in our minds for more years to come.
This year, the GSSE in Cyprus will have special significance for the Malta Basketball Association as it will be the first time since 2003 that both men's and women's national teams will be in competition.
In the build-up to the Games, the men's team participation was put in serious doubt. Marko Matijevic fractured his hand during the Powerade League final and he was in danger of missing out.
That would have spelt the end of the Maltese team's hopes, so inspirational is the BUPA Luxol post. The MOC selectors were thinking about withdrawing the team.
However, Matijevic, born in Serbia but eligible to play for Malta via the three-year residence rule, made a faster recovery than anticipated and after reporting back for training with Bruno Dipietrantonio's squad, the MOC gave its green light for the team to make the trip to Nicosia on Sunday.
There were no similar hitches for Santino Coppa and his women's national team. In Cyprus, the wily Italian will bank on his strongest squad.
Coppa's girls are being tipped among the potential winners next week. Their ratings soared following the excellent performances over the past 12 months after winning the 2008 Promotion Cup, in Luxembourg, and securing promotion to the Euro Championships 'B'.
The team's rise on the international scene owes much to the fact that a number of players, such as Josephine Grima, Rebecca Brincat, Ashleigh Vella and Loretta Ellul, are all plying their trade outside the country.
Coppa refused to be drawn in the risky ploy of predicting his team's chances in Nicosia.
Instead, he is dedicating most of his vast experience on making sure his players reach the GSSE well prepared and fully focused.
"This is a very important competition for us... it has always been," Coppa said.
"We are facing three very strong teams in Luxembourg, Cyprus and Iceland. I know, they have improved considerably since we last played against them in 2005.
"I have only been able to work full-time with my squad since the start of May so it's still early and I'm not setting any ambitions.
"I only want my players to train hard as that is the only way to succeed... that's what I expect of them. Some are playing abroad and that is an added bonus for us but still no guarantee for success.
"Teamwork and unity were key factors in our team in recent years and, hopefully, that will be the case in Cyprus."
The men's team does not enjoy the same glowing reputation in GSSE as their female counterparts.
But the hunger for success is still there and with Matijevic back in squad, Dipietrantonio's boys look a revitalised lot.
"These players have been working really hard during the past 18 months to make sure we arrive for this competition in top shape," Dipietrantonio said.
"I have been here for the past three years now and I'm pleased to say that this time we have a very strong group of players.
"In December, we travelled to Italy for a triangular tournament and played against strong Sicilian teams. We produced a great performance and won the competition.
"In our build-up much has been said on Marko Matijevic's condition. He is a great player but this is team sport and one player alone will not win you matches single-handedly.
"His comeback from injury is a boost for all of us but we have to keep it in mind that to win matches we have to perform as a team.
"We are not setting high targets for Cyprus. But, I still want my team to play with honour, determination and give their 100 per cent."
Basketball teams
Men: O. Said, S. Cassar, M. Naudi, K. Baldacchino, A. Bonnici, M. Mercieca, S. Schembri, D. Schembri, A. Micallef, M. Matijevic, P. Schultz.
Women: L. Sciberras, M. Desira, K. Micallef, L. Ellul, K. Agius, C. Fenech, A. Sciortino, J. Grima, R. Brincat, J. Cardona, D. Parnis, C. Grima, A. Vella.