Updated: Athletics Malta mourns the passing of former president Anthony Chircop

The Maltese athletics community is mourning the death of their former president Anthony Chircop who passed away on Wednesday, aged 76.

Chircop has been a synonymous figure within the sport of athletics in Malta as he was at the helm of the local governing body for 18 years.

“It is with a heavy heart that Athletics Malta bids farewell to our great friend and council member Anthony Chircop,” the MAAA said in a statement.

“Tony needs no introduction. Words cannot begin to explain the depth of feeling of love Tony had for our sport.

“An inspiring leader and visionary, his involvement and continuous guidance in our sport touched many athlete’s lives over his years as President.

“To our local community, please join us in extending our prayers and deepest sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace.”

Throughout his presidency, Chircop has worked hard to put track and field sport on the forefront and in fact in 2003 he guided athletics to their best ever performance in a GSSE with an impressive display in the edition held in Malta at the Marsa Athletics track when 16 medals were won.

Chircop’s work was recognized also by the European Athletics Association who awarded him the Golden Pin for his contribution to the sport.

Chircop has also been a key figure in the organization of a number of international athletics events.

In fact, under his presidency the MAAA organized the European Team Championships and also the European Throwing Challenge.

Apart from being the president of the MAAA, Chircop was also handed a place in the Reflection Commission of the EAA.

After 2014, Chircop took a short break from athletics administration but his love for the sport saw him return to the MAAA committee where he took the position of treasurer.

In his career, he was also elected as an MOC Director and also won the Official of the Year Award in the Sportivi Nazzjonali contest in 1998.

The Maltese Olympic Committee issued a statement to offer its condolences to the family of Anthony Chircop.

“The Maltese Olympic Committee offers its condolences to the Chircop family on the passing of Mr. Anthony Chircop, former Malta Amateur Athletics Association President and Maltese Olympic Committee Director,” the MOC said in a statement.

“May he Rest in Peace.”