Junior College gives send off to students named in Team Malta

MOC icon Bertie Muscat launches memoirs

Junior College students taking part in the forthcoming Games of the Small States of Europe were treated to a send-off by the University of Malta Junior College and the Ministry for Education at the GF Abela Junior College in Msida yesterday.

Students were welcomed by College Principal Paul Xuereb, University Rector Alfred Vella, GSSE Organising Committee chairman Mark Cutajar and Minister for Education and Sport Dr Clifton Grima.

Present for the event was Maltese Olympic Committee president Julian Pace Bonello and Bertie Muscat, an icon of local sport and former member of the MOC.

Xuereb and Vella, both welcomed students, commending their dedication towards balancing their academic and sporting commitments and highlighting the efforts the college has made to support them.

Cutajar, expressed his gratitude to the Maltese Olympic Committee chief Julian Pace Bonello.

“His quiet involvement belies the energy and hours of voluntary work he has given towards these Games,” Cutajar said.

“Similarly, he commended the effort put in by the Local Organising Committe who have been committed to deliver from the very first days. He reiterated the support given to athletes to prepare themselves to be the best they can be.
Visualisation is an important part of their preparation, he said, particularly the medals they aspire to wear around their necks.

“Our ambitions are big, we are convinced that as Team Malta you will deliver. I thank you, your families, coaches and federations, for supporting your journey,” added Cutajar.

On his part, Minister Grima spoke to the students about the ­importance of working hard to achieve their educational and sporting aspirations.

“This is an event for our country’s athletes, we will be behind you and we will celebrate with you your success,” Dr Grima said.

“We are investing in you, both academically and in sport, because we want to give you all the possible opportunities to help achieve what you set out to achieve. In these Games we will be behind you, behind the flag of our country, because we not only believe in your abilities, but we know that your abilities will lead you to more success.”

A stalwart of Maltese sport, Bertie Muscat was the driving force behind the inception of the Games of the Small States of Europe and yesterday’s event also served as a launchpad for his book: Bertie Muscat, My Memoirs.

The book, edited by Maria Ciappara, is a historical account of decades of recollections and anecdotes from his years
of experience as an athlete and administrator.

The book was published through the support of Olympic Solidarity.

The Games of the Small States of Europe will start on Monday and will come to a close on June 3. Entrance to competitions is free of charge.