The organising committee of the Sportsmanship Trophy are inviting sports bodies in Malta and Gozo to send in nominations for the 2004 award.

Nominations must reach Lewis Portelli, honorary secretary, The Sportsmanship Trophy, 168, 'Archville', St Francis Street, Balzan, BZN 07, by not later than January 15.

Members of the public and the media covering sports events are also invited to report any sporting act they feel merits consideration by the adjudicating committee.

The objective of the competition is to encourage sporting acts in any branch of sport and to reward those considered the most worthy.

The outstanding skill or success of an entrant is not considered. It is the actual sporting act which is important.

It is interesting to note that since the competition was instituted in Malta in 1974, by Lewis Portelli and Fred Bennett, past winners of the Sportsmanship Trophy and of special diplomas have been connected with athletics, basketball, cycling, football, sailing, tennis, waterpolo, horse racing, wrestling, badminton, beach volleyball, triathlon, canoeing, handball, refereeing, sports medicine and officials.

Each year, the organising committee of the Sportsmanship Trophy sends details of the winning entries to the International Organisation at UNESCO in Paris. The committee in Malta is a full member of that world organisation.

One must note that some of the past winners of the award, including 2003 winner Milos Stanislavjevic (handball), have also been awarded an International Diploma as well as Letters of Congratulations alongside great names from the world of sport.