First Games of the Small States of Europe Local Councils Roadshow Hosted in Zurrieq

Maltese Olympic Committee and Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government to host nine events in run up to Games

The Maltese Olympic Committee and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government, today hosted the first, of a series of nine GSSE Local Council Roadshows, in the run up to the Games of the Small States of Europe which will take place in Malta between the 29th May and the 4th June.

The main objective of the GSSE Local Council Roadshows is to create awareness of the forthcoming Games as well a start building anticipation for what is considered to be one of the largest multisport events on our island.

The first locality to host the Roadshow was Zurrieq, on Saturday morning, where a number of activities took place.  These included  a display of Obstacle Course Racing, hosted by Zurrieq’s Scout Group, a BMX Demonstration as well as a number of athletic and football activities from local clubs Zurrieq Wolves and Zurrieq FC.

In addition to these activities, those present were able to meet with two athletes who are currently training for possible participation in the Games.    Lacey Aquilina and Shaun Aquilina, whose father Mario Aquilina is a two time Olympian and also won a Gold medal at the 2003 Games held in Malta, were present and explained their preparation in the lead up to the Games. The two sailors also had the opportunity to meet those present for the event and joined Puka, the Games Mascot,  for a walk about in the locality.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli praised the local councils who gave their contribution and commitment in organizing these sports activities within the heart of their communities. “The sports activities prepared for GSSE Roadshow give a clear example of how much the local councils work to carry out various activities that give life to their localities in a different way” said Zerafa Civelli. She also wished all the athletes who will participate in the games.

The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and the Local Government Owen Bonnici, explained the need to create more of a  sporting culture within Maltese society.  These activities, organised in the heart of various localities,  are a clear testament of actions aimed towards creating this culture. Dr. Bonnici went on to say how these sports activities build on our commitment to celebrate the collaboration between communities, people and nations in its various genres: “We are committed to continue to grow cultural and sports activism in various localities in our country.”

The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima defined today’s occasion as one that unites the sports community with all the Maltese people. “We are looking forward to welcoming the athletes, sportsmen, officials and delegations who will be amongst us for this prestigious event”, said Minister Grima. “An event that belongs to the sportsmen as much as it belongs to the whole people. With this event we are raising the profile of our country and at the same time encouraging more young people and children to enter the world of sport. Above all,  for these Games we are involving everyone because we want this to be an experience that not only our sportsmen enjoy, but also the people in general”, said Minister Grima.

Games Local Organising Committee Chairman Mark Cutajar praised the efforts of the Local Councils hosting these events, the team at SportMalta and Maltese Olympic Committee who, together, through these events will bring local communities together to actively participate in sporting activities but also to ramp up Malta’s support for its athletes in the forthcoming Games.

The next GSSE Local Council Roadshow events will take place in the following localities Cospicua (Saturday 25th February), Zabbar (Sunday 12th March), Siggiewi (Sunday 26th March), Pembroke (Saturday 15th April), San Gwann (Saturday 29th April), Qormi (Saturday 13th May), Valletta (Saturday 20th May) and Victoria, Gozo (Saturday 27th May).

The Games of the Small States of Europe are supported by  SportMalta, NDSF, Welbee’s Supermarket, National Lottery, MITA, General Soft Drinks, Visit Malta, European Olympic Committees, Go and Enemed.