The 2003 MABA national championships were held recently at the University in Tal-Qroqq.

Fourteen competitors out of the 18 enlisted competed in this event. Two applicants retired due to personal reasons and two others were suspended following their refusal to undergo a drug-test.

Prior to the competition, other random drug tests were held. Two of these are still pending results while that of Daniel Spiteri Sacco was certified negative.

Malta Olympic Committee Director of Media, Pierre Cassar, and Director of Elite Sport, Marie Therese Zammit, were present for the competition and presentation ceremony.

Cassar emphasised the importance of a drug-free sport. He recognised MABA as the only association to represent bodybuilding in Malta and praised the organisation for adhering to an anti-doping policy, which is also supported by the Ministry for Youth and the Arts.

National coach

The MABA is currently looking to engage a qualified coach to guide the national team.

MABA is also organising an educational and informative programme which will tackle different modes of training, coaching elements, nutrition, supplementation and other issues related to bodybuilding.

This course will be held on three Sunday mornings in November.

For more information one should contact the association secretary on 21-432499 or 9989-6449 (e-mail - holistic@global.net.mt). Closing date of application is October 15.

Category winners

Novices: 1. R. Theuma; 2. L. Ransley; 3. D. Spiteri Sacco.

U-18: D. Cassar.

U-21: 1. A. Camilleri; 2. R. Theuma.

Over 40: 1. M. Pace; 2. G. Calì.

65kg: 1. A. Borg; 2. D. Cassar.

75kg: 1. R. Theuma, 2. D. Spiteri Sacco; 3. T. Sultana.

80kg: 1. J. Mercieca; 2. A. Pampanella; 3. M. Pace.

90kg: 1. M. Cardona; 2. A. Camilleri.

90kg+: L. Ransley.