There's no doubting that John Trower is looking forward to coming to Malta and this isn't simply because our weather will be a lot warmer than it normally is in England this time of the year.
As Throws Director at UK Athletics, it is Trower's responsibility to oversee the continued development of these particular disciplines in his country as well as ensuring that the British athletes have the best possible run-in for the Olympics. Which is why he will be coming to Malta.
The European Winter Throwing Challenge at the Matthew Micallef St John Stadium in Marsa over the weekend will offer him the best indication so far of his athletes' form and is the main reason for his visit.
"The European Throws Challenge is part of the listed events that throwers identify with me as a focus before Christmas," he explained, emphasising the importance of the event for all the members of the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland team "particularly those receiving lottery support who see it as a valuable competition opportunity".
Trower clearly views the Winter Throwing Challenge as a very valid competition.
He said: "It is an important event for throwers all over Europe and the quality of the event will be there to be seen. It is an opportunity to compete against good international athletes and a useful marker for form leading into the season."
The UK team will include two Commonwealth gold medal winners - Mick Jones and Lorraine Shaw.
"We have a very experienced group of throwers who are all in good form and keen to do well over the weekend in Malta. With Lorraine and Mick we have two Commonwealth champions, Shelley Newman competed in the World Championships in Paris and Emeka Udechuku won a medal at the 2003 World Student Games."
"Shirley Webb is in sparkling form and will be looking to throw over 65m for the first time in the hammer competition."
Indeed, while most of the team have been preparing for this event at the indoor facilities back in Britain - with the exception of Shaw who spent three weeks in South Africa - Webb, 22, chose to come to Malta a week early to help in her preparation.
At this stage of the season, winning isn't considered to be as important as finding an athlete's best form. Trower agrees.
"In some cases the throwers in Malta will be contesting for the top three positions," he said, "but it is more important that they compete well and surpass their personal best throws where possible and achieve Olympic qualifying marks.
"I would like to think that a couple of our athletes will achieve the Olympic A qualifying mark and others will achieve the B mark. Personal best performances should be achievable in some cases but will be dependent on favourable conditions."
Those objectives highlight just how much this year there is no escaping the Olympic Games, which will undoubtedly be at the back of every athlete's mind. Their performance in Malta could even help them book a place for Athens.
"Obviously, if athletes achieve the relevant qualifying marks they can be considered for selection, but it is important for good form to be continued into the season and consistency of performance is what is sought. This competition is a stepping stone to the rest of the season."
At the Olympics, Britain's best hope for a medal in throwing will depend on an athlete who won't be coming to Malta.
"Medals at the Olympic Games are a priceless commodity and hard to procure: Steve Backley would be our best chance once again of a medal in Athens."
Backley's success over the years has ensured that throwing in the United Kingdom enjoyed a fair deal of exposure which in turn generates interest. It is an important element for continued success in these events, but it won't necessarily be enough to attract those individuals best suited for the sport.
"Throwing has always been popular in the UK with a lot of success in certain events over the years.
"We will continue to produce good throwers but it is a competitive arena with football, rugby and cricket chasing the same talented individuals and it is sometimes very difficult to retain the best talent to athletics."