Maltese Olympic Committee to honour outstanding performances in last 12 months
The Maltese Olympic Committee will distribute bonuses to those athletes who won medals at the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe during the 20th edition of the MOC Gala Sports Awards on Friday December 1, 2023.
In recent weeks, there has been criticism that the authorities had not yet distributed the bonuses for those athletes who won medals at the 2023 Games, which saw Malta top the medals’ table for the first time in the Games’ history.
However, the governing body of elite sport has now confirmed that it will reward all medallists during the gala ceremony next month.
The Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Maltese athletes who have distinguished themselves in major international competitions organised under the auspices of the international federation of their relative sport or a recognised and reputable International Sport Organisation.
National federations and associations were invited to submit nominations for achievements held during the period of October 16, 2022, and October 15, 2023.
In its efforts to ensure athletes are given the appropriate recognition based on their accomplishments, the MOC introduced several changes to its awards structure.
The changes were designed to reflect, more appropriately, the nature of each athlete’s nominated competition result, ensuring that the recognition bestowed is not only well-deserved but also tailored to the unique accomplishments achieved on the grand stage of international competition.
“The adjustment to its previous awards structure was welcomed by affiliated Federations and Associations and underscores the MOC’s commitment to fairness in acknowledging the diverse achievements of Malta’s outstanding athletes, this revamped structure promises a better fitting tribute to the outstanding performances that have brought honour to Malta,” said Charlene Attard, Director Sport.
The revised Award Criteria will also recognise a broader spectrum of athletic achievements.
Beyond the traditional parameters, the revised criteria will now encompass a comprehensive evaluation, taking into consideration not only podium finishes but also exceptional success metrics to included milestones.
These milestones include the setting of new records, as well as attaining higher rankings at the European and world levels; strong performances at major international Games, including but not limited to the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), Commonwealth Games, and others.
Games of the Small States of Europe
The MOC also announced that the Gala Sports Awards would also see the distribution of financial bonuses to medal winners at the Games hosted in Malta earlier on this year.
The decision to present these bonuses during the Gala Sports Awards was taken in collaboration with the national federations and concerned athletes earlier in November who unanimously agreed that this was the most appropriate time to celebrate such achievements.
“The Maltese Olympic Committee will be fulfilling its commitment to supporting and rewarding athletes who brought pride to the nation through their outstanding achievements during these Games and it is befitting that such an acknowledgement is carried out during an evening which brings the sporting community together to celebrate excellence,” said Julian Pace Bonello, Maltese Olympic Committee president.
The MOC Gala Sports Awards are being supported by SportMalta, NDSF, Olympic Solidarity, European Olympic Committees, BOV, Enemed, Full Marks, Go, GSD, Heartbeat Clinic, Malta International Airport, MITA, National Lottery, Planet Physio, Saint James Hospital, Sterling Jewellers, VisitMalta, Welbee’s Supermarket, The Concept Stadium, Toyota, Vini e Capricci.
