BoV sponsorship boost for MOC ahead of Olympic Games

The Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) has landed another boost ahead of the Olympic Games in Athens, renewing its partnership with Bank of Valletta (BoV) as its official banker and sponsor for 2004.

BoV's support will benefit the governing body of local sport as well as the contingent of Maltese athletes for the Athens Games between August 13-29.

During the signing ceremony launching this new agreement, BoV chairman Joseph F.X. Zahra spoke about Bank of Valletta's long tradition of supporting Maltese sport.

"BoV has been associated with the Malta Olympic Committee for a number of years," Mr Zahra said.

"The bank's sponsorship helps to finance the essential training and preparation for Maltese elite and aspirant athletes, specially those in Malta's olympic contingent.

"This year's edition of the Olympic Games should also prove to be an important opportunity to promote Malta on an international level," Mr Zahra remarked.

Mr Zahra also said that BoV looks forward to providing a leading contribution from which Maltese athletes would benefit. He augured all the Maltese athletes and MOC delegation a successful participation in the Olympic Games.

Thanking BoV for its ongoing support to Maltese sport, Michael Soler, marketing director at the MOC, said that some members of the Maltese contingent have already travelled to Athens to make their final preparations for the Games.

Seven Maltese athletes - Tanya Blake, Darren Gilford (both athletics), Marcon Bezzina (judo), Mario Aquilina (sailing), William Chetcuti (shooting), Angela Galea and Neil Agius (swimming) - will participate in five different disciplines at the Athens Olympics.

This is the 13th time that Malta will be represented in the Olympic Games.

Mr Soler said that local sport history was made in the run-up to this year's Olympics with Blake becoming the first Maltese athlete to gain an Olympic qualifying time in the 800 metres.

"BoV's support over the years ensured that our athletes availed themselves of the best possible training for the upcoming Olympics," Mr Soler concluded.