Junior College and University of Malta students representing Malta in the forthcoming Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) were hosted to a send off by the Junior College on Monday 22 May 2023.
Students were welcomed by College Principal Mr Paul Xuereb, University Rector Prof Alfred Vella, GSSE Organising Committee Chairman Mr Mark Cutajar and Minister for Education and Sport Dr Clifton Grima. Present for the event was Maltese Olympic Committee President Mr Julian Pace Bonello and Mr Bertie Muscat, an icon of local sport and former member of the Maltese Olympic Committee.
College Principal Paul Xuereb, welcomed students, commending their dedication towards balancing their academic and sporting commitments and highlighting the efforts the College has made to support them.
GSSE Local Organising Committee Chairman Mr Mark Cutajar, expressed his gratitude to the Maltese Olympic Committee President Julian Pace Bonello. His quiet involvement belies the energy and hours of voluntary work he has given towards these Games. Similarly he commended the effort put in by the Local Organising Committee 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, 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. Today week you will be at the Granaries, in the parade of nations, and we will be looking at you proudly” remarked Mr Mark Cutajar.
A stalwart of Maltese sport, Mr Bertie Muscat was the driving force behind the inception of the Games of the Small States of Europe and this morning’s event also served as a launchpad for his book: Bertie Muscat, My Memoirs. The book, edited by Ms Maria Ciappara, is a historical account of decades of recollections and anecdotes from his years of experience as an athlete and administrator.
Copies of Bertie Muscat, My Memoirs are available for borrowing at the JC Library.