The Malta Triathlon Federation will be electing a new Executive Committee during an Annual General Meeting this evening. Incumbent president Cyprian Dalli is bidding for a new term in office but is facing the challenge of Davide Cachia. Valhmor Camilleri spoke with both contestants on their plans for the future of the sport....
Cyprian Dalli, Seeking another term as Malta Triathlon Federation President
What convinced you to contest the post of president of the Malta Triathlon Federation?
“Having served for the last six years as president of the Federation and having seen so many positive changes in the local triathlon community, I felt that I had to move forward my programme and vision for the federation. In the last years we took a small, timid association to a strong, bold federation with strong ties not only to the local scene but also with enhanced international connections.
“I have always maintained in the past months that the federation now stands at a crossroads – it can either implode and became a victim of its own success, or it can strengthen itself and start really reaping the reward of the hard work invested in these past six years.
“For this reason I have accepted the nomination to lead the federation again for a third term.”
Which areas do you think the sport must focus on?
“The MTF has seen unprecedented growth in the past years. However, unfortunately, its structures and operational procedures have not matched the same progress.
“For example, the constitutional statute still caters for a time when there were no clubs affiliated with the federation, while today there are six. For this reason, the most pressing project for the next executive should be that of proposing a new, modern operational procedure and a new statute which will empower the federation, its clubs and its members rather than hold them back.”
Do you think that there has been enough investment in grassroots?
In the past five years, the federation embarked on its most ambitious project ever: that of establishing the Malta Youth Triathlon Academy – MYTA, a joint venture with Sport Malta and the European Triathlon Union.
“Through the MYTA, today there are more than 50 young athletes training regularly, under the supervision of the first ever set of fully qualified and licenced triathlon coaches, and with a very strong technical and financial investment by all three sport organisations in the academy. This project will enable the sport to have an upcoming generation of young triathletes ready to upgrade the level of play in a very conspicuous manner in the next decade.
Throughout the years several triathletes have competed abroad with encouraging results. Are you planning any kind of technical assistance to further increase their level of competition?
In my pre-election proposals, I am suggesting that the federation explores new sources of income like the European Programmes for example, in order to attract more opportunities and funding for its athletes to train internationally and to obtain ever more consistant results.
“On an operational level, I am proposing to establish a number of commissions, more importantly an Athletes’ Commission and a Coaches’ Commission.”
Do you plan to improve the coaching level in the sport?
Here, one has to understand that up to five or six years ago, there was only one triathlon coach with a triathlon qualification and licence. The federation has strongly invested in this scenario and through a Development Programme with the European Triathlon Union, has seen a group of five different coaches obtaining their coaching qualification and licence.
The Federation is committed to keep with this momentum: we are planning to organise international coach courses for those who have no qualifications.
Are there any other points you would like to highlight?
After a series of meetings with members, clubs and stake holders, I have come up with other initiatives – enacting of bye-laws; a good-governance protocol for the Executive Board; a business contingency plan; creation of commissions; a seminar for multisport race organisers and officials; opening of age-group participation in international events; new focus on Standard Distance (Olympic) races; tap new sources of good-practices exchanges and financial assistance.
Davide Cachia, contesting post for President of Malta Triathlon Federation
What convinced you to contest the post of president of the Malta Triathlon Federation?
“I have been always very passionate about running for many years. That changed four years ago when I did my first triathlon and went from the local sprint races to the ironman distance in three years.
“It is an amazing discipline and I would love to be able to contribute more to this sport in Malta.
“On speaking to many local triathletes and coaches several suggestions came across and together we decided that it is time for change and new ideas to strengthen the Malta Triathlon Federation.”
Which areas do you think the sport must focus more on?
“We have a whole manifest but importantly I think we need to concentrate on setting transparent procedures for the various decisions that need to be taken by the MTF.
“It is our objective to concentrate on all areas in triathlon from the training and coaching of very young triathletes, age group triathletes, long distance and of course the national team.
“I think the same importance should be given in all areas.”
Do you think that there has been enough investment in grassroots?
“There has been a considerable amount of investment and there is always room for improvement.
“I think it is extremely important to work with the various clubs who have always really supported the MTF and to work closely with Sport Malta.
“We would be very keen on investing more and most importantly to have committed people on the committee.
“It is important to continue to strengthen the MYTA and various clubs and delegate responsibility for the transition of athletes from youth to adult competition.
Throughout the years, several triathletes have competed abroad with encouraging results. Are you planning any kind of technical assistance to further increase their level of competition?
“There is a lot of local talent and I have seen very dedicated triathletes who train very hard from very early hours in the morning to late night training and often several times in a day.
“They do very well in competitions abroad and for the size of the island I think they do extremely well. It would be great to see more improvement and to assist triathletes (of all age groups and distances) in participating in various events such as ETU, ITU and Ironman.
“This can be done by assisting them with funds and help not only the triathletes who place first in the local races but the various age groups and other promising athletes.
“Overseas training camps and attracting foreign triathletes rates highly on our agenda.”
Do you plan to improve the coaching level in the sport?
“I think it is very important to assist the local coaches with better training and reach the standards to training on a national team level.
“We would certainly need to invest more in this sector and at the moment is it a priority to have a National coach to support and train a national team together with other qualified coaches for youths and adults.
“Our first priority would be to work on attracting ITU qualified coaches to Malta and train prospective triathlon coaches. Through this move, the local triathlon clubs would be in a better position to train prospective triathletes.”
Are there any other points you would like to highlight?
“We would like to create more awareness of this sport and attract more athletes and boost recognition of triathlon.
“This will take a lot of time and energy but most importantly passion and I have certainly seen plenty of that from many athletes and coaches in Malta.”