Charles Camenzuli, Jean Paul Fleri Soler and Patrick Pace inducted into MOC Hall of Fame
The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) hosted its 21st Gala Sports Awards last night, celebrating the achievements of Malta’s athletes across two competitive seasons.
A total of 173 awards were presented to athletes and teams who distinguished themselves on the international stage during 2023–24 and 2024-2025.
Awards were conferred upon athletes who excelled in major international competitions organised under the auspices of recognised international federations or reputable international sporting bodies.
The selection conditions and eligibility criteria considered the level of competition, number of participants, and results achieved by Maltese athletes.
Among the competitions assessed, the MOC evaluated results achieved at the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), European Youth Olympic Festival, Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games, University Games (including FISU, NCAA and BUCS), European and World Championships, Commonwealth and Mediterranean Championships, as well as the Olympic Games.
These awards recognise the breadth of Malta’s sporting progress, acknowledging both established athletes and emerging talent who continue to elevate Malta’s presence internationally.
“This evening celebrates the dedication, resilience, and ambition of Malta’s athletes,” said Maria Vella-Galea, chairperson of the Gala Sports Awards Organising Committee, said.
“Each award represents countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. We are honoured to recognise their achievements and to shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams who continue to raise Malta’s profile on the international sporting stage.”
A highlight of the evening was the induction of three distinguished figures into the prestigious MOC Hall of Fame, each recognised for their exceptional lifetime contribution to sport in Malta and for embodying the Olympic values of excellence, respect, friendship, and true sportsmanship.
The three personalities that were inducted into the Hall of Fame were Charles Camenzuli, a celebrated sports historian and journalist, whose career has been instrumental in chronicling Malta’s sporting and Olympic journey.
Jean-Paul Fleri Soler, Olympian and one of the leading forces behind the evolution and success of sailing in Malta and the late Patrick Pace – a pioneering figure whose dedication and vision played a central role in the growth and development of baseball on the island.
Julian Pace Bonello, President of the Maltese Olympic Committee, said: “The past two years have showcased outstanding performances across multiple sports. These awards are not only a recognition of achievement but also a testament to the continued growth of Maltese sport.
“We are immensely proud of our athletes and remain committed to supporting them as they pursue excellence at the highest levels.”
The Maltese Olympic Committee thanked its sponsors – SportMalta, National Development and Social Fund, Olympic Solidarity, APS Bank, General Soft Drinks, Full Marks, Joma u Network 360.
THE WINNERS
GSSE Special Awards
GSSE Bronze
Athletics: Mireya Bugeja, Ian Paul Grech, Luke Micallef.
Cycling: Men’s Team (Daniel Bonello, Aidan Buttigieg, John Camilleri, Bernard Galea, Andrea Mifsud, Jacob Schembri).
Karate: Heorhii Denysov, Halil Ibrahim Koska.
Rugby 7s: Men’s Team
Shooting: Gianluca Chetcuti
Tennis: Alex Degabriele
GSSE Silver
Athletics: Claire Azzopardi, Luke Bezzina, Isaac Bonnici, Nick Bonett, Alessia Cristina, Jemima Farley, Matthew Galea Soler, Beppe Grillo, Jared Micallef, Thea Parnis Coleiro, Rebecca Sare, Martha Spiteri, Janet Richard, Kurt Zahra.
Relays: 4x100m Women – Claire Azzopardi, Thea Parnis Coleiro, Janet Richard, Alessia Cristina; 4x400m Mixed – Martha Spiteri, Janet Richard, Jared Micallef, Isaac Bonnici; 4x400m Men – Isaac Bonnici, Nick Bonett, Matthew Galea Soler, Jared Micallef; 4x100m Men – Luke Bezzina, Kurt Zahra, Matthew Galea Soler, Beppe Grillo.
Basketball 3×3: Stephanie Demartino, Danica Galea, Kristy Galea, Amber Melgoza.
Swimming: 4x100m Medley (Women) – Victoria Balderacchi, Zoe Cawsey, Nirvana Micallef, Michela Portelli.
Artistic Swimming: Zea Montfort.
Table Tennis: Women’s Team – Maria Iacob, Victoria Lucenkova, Renata Stribkova.
Tennis: Matthew Asciak, Francesca Curmi, Elaine Genovese.
GSSE Gold
Athletics: Beppe Grillo, Gina McNamara.
Artistic Gymnastics: Sophie St John, Team Malta: (Philippa Busuttil, Lyana Curmi Inguanez, Julia Galea, Janet Galea).
Swimming: Sasha Gatt.
Artistic Swimming: Ana Culic, Thea Grima Buttigieg.
Karate: Luke Galea, Jessica Vella.
Table Tennis: Men’s Team: Daniel Bajada, Dimitrij Prokopcov, Felix Wetzel; Women’s Team: Maria-Carmela Iacob, Renata Stribkova.
Accomplishment Award
Athletics: Gina McNamara, Jared Micallef.
Badminton: Matthew Abela, Sam Cassar.
Billiards & Snooker: Brian Cini.
Sailing: Victoria Schultheis.
Karate: Thyis Antonelli.
Lawn Bowls: Connie Rixon, Rebecca Rixon.
Squash: Colette Sultana, Julian Scerri, Matthea Saliba.
Table Football: Bormla Subbuteo Club, Samuel Bartolo.
Special Award
Athletics: Kayleigh Ellul, Matthew Galea Soler, Matteo Gauci, Claire McNamara, Thea Parnis Coleiro, Rachela Pace, U15 Relay Team (Carey Spiteri, Kayla Slack, Leah Frendo, Kristina Azzopardi).
Badminton: Sam Cassar.
Billiards & Snooker: Brian Cini.
Bodybuilding & Fitness: Keith Agius, Liliana Albinskaya, Chloe Cooper.
Sailing: Victoria Schultheis.
Football: Ħamrun Spartans.
Artistic Gymnastics: Sophie St John.
Pool: Matthias Debono, Steve Muscat, Junior National Team.
Rugby 7s: Team Malta.
Squash: Jocelyn Lydall, Mattea Saliba, Julian Scerri.
Table Football: Samuel Bartolo, Bormla Subbuteo Club, Valletta Subbuteo Club.
Weightlifting: Rylee Borg, Kim Camilleri Lagana, Anton Micallef, Nathan Mifsud.
Team Malta (Tenisha Thornton, Roberta Tabone, Rylee Borg, Kim Camilleri Lagana, Nathan Mifsud).
Bronze Award
Badminton: Matthew Abela.
Billiards & Snooker: Aaron Busuttil, Chris Peplow.
Bowling: Travis Barbara, Tiziana Carannante, Tomas Caruso, Cynthia Frendo Duca, Kayden Lagana, Nicolai Mallia, Nicholas Muscat.
Lawn Bowls: Connie Rixon, Rebecca Rixon.
Artistic Gymnastics: Philippa Busuttil.
Karate: Thyis Antonelli.
Pool: Team Malta (Men), Steve Muscat.
Sailing: Katrina Micallef.
Triathlon: Kai Azzopardi, Ryan Muscat.
Weightlifting: Nathan Mifsud, Tenisha Thornton.
Silver Award
Bowling: Sue Abela, Mauro Anastasi, Cynthia Frendo Duca, Kayden Lagana, Nicholas Muscat.
Lawn Bowls: Connie Rixon, Rebecca Rixon.
Pool: Team Malta (Men), Under-18 Team.
Gold Award
Billiards & Snooker: Brian Cini.
Sailing: Team Boost Stella Maris – (Gabriella Mifsud, Anna Basalkina, Mattea Ciantar, Emilie
Gregory), Victoria Schultheis.
