200 days to go for GSSE 2003 in Malta

Preparations for the Malta edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe are in full swing as only 200 days remain before the curtain is raised for this eagerly-awaited event.

The hectic six-day sports festival, running from June 2 to 7, will bring together more than a 1,000 athletes and officials from eight nations including Malta. This GSSE 2003 promises to be the greatest ever and the organising committee is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to ensure that this event is a success not only from a logistics point of view but also financially.

During the last few months, the MOC has finalised contracts with leading suppliers and firms that cater for transport, accommodation and sporting apparel. Recruitment of volunteers is in its final stages as all applicants have been summoned for an interview.

The Games will feature ten disciplines: athletics, basketball, judo, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, table-tennis, tennis and volleyball.

Gozo will also experience the Games at first hand as all table-tennis competitions will be played on the sister island.

The GSSE International Executive recently paid a special visit to Malta to inspect the venues earmarked for competition, the hotels that will cater for athletes and officials and the media centre. The Organising Committee was commended for its work as all projections are currently being met.

Meanwhile, athletes earmarked to compete at the Games are following a gruelling training schedule including routine medical tests at the Functional Diagnostics Laboratory to ensure that they are in the best physical and psychological shape.