Rita Azzopardi steps down as ASA General Secretary after nine years in the post

George Farrugia named new general secretary

Rita Azzopardi has stepped down as general secretary of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta during last weekend’s Annual General Meeting.

Azzopardi has been in the role for the past nine years and has been a keen figure to boost aquatic sport in Malta.

Contacted by the Times of Malta, Azzopardi said that she felt that the time was right for her to step down from the post.

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“This has been something that I have been thinking about for a few weeks. I discussed my decision with my colleagues on the ASA Executive Committee and informed them that I felt that it was the right time for me to leave the post.

“Still, this does not mean that I will be leaving the governing body as I will continue working within the ASA.”

During Saturday’s meeting, it was announced that Rita Azzopardi’s place will be taken by George Farrugia.

Farrugia is another familiar figure in the sport as he is a former president of Birżebbuġa ASC.

ASA president Karl Izzo heaped praise on Azzopardi’s contribution to the sport during Saturday’s meeting.

“I would like to thank Rita Azzopardi for her contribution to the ASA for the past years,” the ASA president said during Saturday’s meeting.

“Rita worked very hard in silence to put the ASA on the Maltese sporting map. She is a synonymous figure with aquatic sport and all members of the Executive Committee are grateful for her contribution.

“However, we have no plans to let Rita Azzopardi leave the ASA as she will continue to work within the association, handing her different responsibilities.”

In fact, during Saturday’s meeting, it was announced that Azzopardi had been appointed as team manager of the Malta Synchronised Swimming team while she will also be the chairman of the organising committee that will be responsible for the hosting of the World U-16 Championships and the European Artistic Swimming Championships that will be held in Malta next year.