Successful outcome for MOC Athletes’ Commission Seminar
The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) Athletes' Commission, under the leadership of Olympian Eleanor Bezzina and commission members Sascha Genovese and Matthew Abela, successfully hosted their Annual Seminar for Athletes. The event saw a significant turnout and featured key insights and discussions aimed at supporting and inspiring the next generation of Maltese athletes.
Following an introduction by the Athletes’ Commission Chair Eleanor Bezzina, Andy Grech, Head of Education at the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (AIMS), delivered a talk on "Value Driven Performance" . This was followed by presentation from Rachel Cachia, Impact Officer of the Malta Paralympic Committee, alongside Paris 2024 Paralympian Antonio Flores, gave an overview of the Malta Paralympic Committee’s mission statement and activities.
Veteran sports journalist Charles Camenzuli provided a historical perspective on "The Development of Sport in Malta," tracing the journey from the early days to Malta's first participation in the Olympic Games. His reflections offered a rich context for understanding the progress and potential of Maltese sports on the international stage.
The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion featuring Olympians Sasha Gatt and William Chetcuti, Paralympian Antonio Flores, and prospective Olympian Rachela Pace. Moderated by
Charles Camenzuli, the panel discussed the various challenges they faced throughout their sporting journeys, from training and competition to balancing personal life and career aspirations.
Eleanor Bezzina, Chair of the MOC Athletes' Commission, expressed her satisfaction with the seminar's success. "We are thrilled with the turnout and the level of engagement from all participants. Our goal is to support and guide our athletes, and events like these are crucial for sharing knowledge and experiences that can help them succeed."
Maltese Olympic Committee President Julian Pace Bonello presented financial contributions to athletes who achieved outstanding results on the international stage in their respective sports in the past months.
The athletes benefitting from this contributions were Marlon Attard (Skeet – Shooting) who obtained a Silver Medal in the European Championships in Croatia in September 2023, Nico Sciberras (Trap Shooting) also Silver at the Junior European Championships in Italy, Connie Rixon (Lawn Bowls) , who took Silver at the World Indoor Lawn Bowls Championships in Guernsey and Katrina Micallef (Sailing) , who achieved a Bronze Medal in the ILCA4 Youth World Championships in Portugal.
"This gesture not only acknowledges their hard work and exceptional performance but also aims to support their future endeavours and inspire continued success," commented Pace Bonello, MOC President. "The Maltese Olympic Committee felt that recognising these athlete’s efforts at the Athletes’ Commission Seminar was befitting."
The MOC Athlete’s Commission Seminar was supported by Olympic Solidarity.