University pro-rector Carmen Sammut (Talking Point, February 25) stated she wishes to “bust some of the myths...” concerning the University and claimed “Fact 3: the University encourages sports”, which creates a myth and brought a nostalgic wry smile.

The new Msida campus’s main sport facility consisted of a gravel football pitch and hard running track (and tennis courts). Sport at the University was actively and very healthily promoted by the Royal University Sports Club (RUSC). With no dressing rooms, in March 1970, the RUSC organised a public change from civilian to sportswear in the quadrangle.

As RUSC president, with Edward Bencini (vice president) we presented a petition to the rector, stating, inter alia, that “sport is an essential aspect of University life... That sport facilities at the University of Malta are deplorably neglected... That immediate attention be given so that the necessary sports facilities be provided.”

We held a protest that was a huge success, very well attended by male and female students. The RUSC organised inter-faculty competitions in various disciplines, primarily football, hockey, tennis and athletics.

We successfully participated against the drydocks, banks, teachers, the civil service etc. We joined the Federation of International Sports Universities. We published sport annuals for the years 1968 to 1970. On an exchange basis, our students competed overseas and vice versa.

While excellent sports facilities have sprung up all over (to the vote-catching politicians’ delight), the sport facility at the University has practically (save for the gym) remained fossilised for 50 years, with no dressing rooms. University sport participation has correspondingly deteriorated.

Worse, with the University authority’s blessing, the football pitch is now a car park.

Given this record how can one claim that “the University encourages sports”? It is still its Cinderella, a 1970 media phrase.

May the long-awaited sports complex project at our alma mater mentioned by the pro-rector  become a reality, within five (not 50) years.