A local polo team - the Maltese Falcons - will be participating in the prestigious Aix Pertuis Polo Club Tournament being played in France between July and September.

The team, composed of Julian Mamo, Joseph Manduca, Desmond Mizzi and Adamu Iddrisu, will be leaving Malta on Monday, on board the MV Maltese Falcon, in time for their first game on July 25 against host team Aix Pertuis Polo Club.

The news was announced yesterday by Maltese Falcons team representative Mamo during a press conference presided by the Minister for Youth and the Arts, Jesmond Mugliett and Sea Malta chairperson Marlene Mizzi.

The Maltese Falcons will be in action again on July 26 and 27. The team completes its qualifying phase with other matches between August 8 and 10.

Subject to their performance in the first round, the team will have to change places and shift quarters close to the venues where the final rounds of the tournament will be held.

The tournament is expected to see the participation of some of the best polo teams in France, where the sport enjoys a good following, Mamo said.

He thanked Sea Malta for their backing.

"Sea Malta's sponsorship," he said, "has made it possible for the team to participate in the Aix Pertuis tournament. In fact, Sea Malta will be incurring all freight expenses related to the transportation of the polo horses and team equipment to Marseilles."

Addressing those present, Mizzi said that the sponsorship to the Maltese Falcons forms part of Sea Malta's commitment to support local sports federations, who due to financial constraints, find it difficult to participate in overseas events such as the Aix Pertuis Tournament.

"Furthermore, in view of the name linking our vessel, the MV Maltese Falcon, and the team, the Maltese Falcons, the sponsorship was a natural one," she remarked while wishing the team players all the success in their overseas endeavour.