Maltese athletes should inspire themselves from the Icelandic football team that qualified for Euro 2016 against all odds and remained in contention for a place in the semi-finals, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said this morning.
The PN leader was delivering the closing address of a three-day conference on sport held at the party headquarters in Pietà.
Dr Busuttil noted that in spite having a smaller population than Malta, Iceland had set an example by qualifying for the final phase of the European Championship and exceeding expectations beyond everyone’s wildest dreams from then onwards.
“Iceland should inspire us, as they are truly the underdog like in a David and Goliath contest. I envy them in a positive sense, but at the same time their success increases my resolve for Maltese athletes to do better in sport,” he said.
Malta should promote sport as a way of life rather than as a discipline restricted to the elite
The PN leader insisted that the way forward for Malta should be to promote sport as a way of life rather than a discipline restricted to the elite.
“If there is a record which I want to erase it is our obesity trend, and physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle”.
The Opposition leader floated the idea of emulating Malta’s successful bid for Valletta to become the European Capital of Culture in 2018, saying this would have a positive multiplier effect in sport.
One possibility could be to host major international sporting events, possibly bigger than the Small Nations Games which Malta has hosted twice, he said.
For this reason the PN would be receiving proposals from the various sports associations to determine which events could be attracted to Malta, Dr Busuttil added.
The Opposition leader also called for more sport equipment in outdoor open spaces, greater assistance to develop facilities in collaboration with sport associations, an action plan to promote bicycle use and further incentives for athletes.
“Investment will come if there is strong leadership. A PN government that will give priority to sport as a healthy life style is part of my vision for Malta,” Dr Busuttil said.