Malta Tenpin Bowling legend Roy Swift dies, aged 86

The Malta Tenpin Bowling Association lost one of its oldest members following the death of Roy Swift, aged 86, late last week.

Swift was one of the legends in the game of tenpin bowling in Malta and started his passion for the sport in the sixties at the bowling centre in Gżira.

Swift’s first international experience for Malta came in 1969 when he took part in the AMF World Cup in Tokyo. He again competed in the global championships in 1991 when they were organised in Singapore.

He was one of the first members of the Malta Tenpin Bowling Association when it was formed in 1975.

In 1987, Swift was again selected to compete for Malta in the Gold Cup where he teamed up with Melissa Anastasi. A year later he teamed up with Silvio Anastasi, Leli Baldacchino, V.J. Balani and Alfred Abela to compete in an international event in Spain

In 1983, he placed third in the National Championships and also took part in the first Seniors Championships in 2010 where he managed to finish in the runners-up spot.

Swift’s love for the game was infinite and in fact he was still competing in the Division Two championships up to a few months ago at the age of 85.

Apart from bowling, Swift also played football in his younger years and was on the books of Sliema Wanderers.

“Roy was a true gentleman, and was always there to help every player improve their skills at the game, and is fondly remembered by everyone that got to know him,” David Fenech, the Malta Tenpin Bowling PRO, told the Times of Malta.

Swift’s funeral will be held at the Ibragg Parish Church at 9am.