Editorial (from the TIMES OF MALTA. com)
Maltese sport: Are we on track?
Malta last week took part in the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), held in Monaco for the second time since the “mini-Olympics” for countries with populations of under one million were first staged in San Marino in 1985.
Since then, 12 editions have been held and the IOC-backed concept flourished to an extent that from the very few hundreds of 22 years ago, this year the Monaco organisers had to cater for about 1,200 athletes and officials.
In Monaco, the Maltese Olympic Committee selection, Team Malta, garnered 30 medals and finished fifth in the final standings. Some of Team Malta’s results were remarkable, particularly in sailing, but the overall performance doesn’t seem to have lived up to the expectations of the sporting public even if the MOC begs to differ.
In the build-up to the Games, fans were led to believe that the MOC selection, including athletes of foreign descent, was strong enough to equal, if not better, the result of the previous edition in Andorra. Alas, things turned out to be different. The 30-medal tally was eight short of GSSE 2005, when the Maltese won seven golds. In Monaco, there were four first places: two in sailing and two in judo. There were none in athletics and swimming, the elite sport, and just one national record was established at the Louis II Stadium track.
The performance fell short of expectations. Yet, rather than pointing fingers, a thorough analysis of what went wrong should be carried out. It is no solace saying the final position was the best ever beyond our shores.
The Monaco medals table clearly shows our sport achievements are lagging far behind fellow minnow European countries.
Cyprus, the Games organisers in 2009, won 92 medals in Monaco, 34 of them gold. Iceland returned home with 76 medals (31 gold) and Luxembourg had 79 medals (21 gold) in their bags. Malta’s prospects of a fourth place were dashed by hosts Monaco. They won 19 gold medals from their total of 52.
This, perhaps, should lead the MOC and all sports authorities, to a draw conclusion. We need to change methods and seek different ways how to boost sport and attract greater numbers to the fold.
Financial assistance never seems to be enough even though the budget allocated to the MOC compares rather poorly to that of Cyprus, to mention one competitor. Malta has adequate infrastructure in place for almost all kind of sport. What is lacking is will and self-determination. The habit of competing and of winning and the hard work leading to them must be continuously inculcated in budding athletes.
It also appears the GSSE have become the Maltese athletes’ top priority and the MOC is dedicating a considerable amount of its budget to the Games. Yet, they must also encouraged to aim higher and leave their mark in bigger events such as the Mediterranean Games, the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics.
Moreover, given the limited resources and expertise in all spheres, particularly sport, we cannot afford to have qualified people like Pippo Psaila leaving the Olympic movement yet again. He may be seeking a new challenge elsewhere but it has to be borne in mind that for the past 14 years he shouldered most of the responsibility for the athletes’ technical preparation ahead of international competition.
Surely, Mr Psaila and others like him can somehow be persuaded to stay on and continue giving their contribution to the Olympic cause. Sports in Malta may require a new strategy but not at the expense of experienced people.