Charles Mifsud... the founder of weightlifting in Malta

These are indeed sad days for all those who knew Charles Mifsud, the founder of weightlifting in Malta.

I don't know what to say. Sympathy and condolences are not strong-enough words when someone like Charles departs this world.

It is really hard to come to terms with the death of such an affable person who still had so many years of service ahead of him and so much to give.

He was a great friend not just to me but to all those in the local weightlifting circles.

Charles Mifsud was a true sportsman and a great weightlifter, especially when he competed in Australia in the 1960s. It was after his return to Malta that he launched weightlifting here in 1975.

To all the Maltese weightlifters and enthusiasts, my message during this difficult time is to stay together in order to maintain the legacy of Charles Mifsud.

I vividly remember Charles's dedication and the effort he put into the organisation of the Commonwealth Championships that were held here recently.

He did a great job in ensuring that the championships passed without a hitch and was so pleased to see many young foreign athletes coming to Malta.

We are surely going to miss Charles, a dedicated family man with a great passion for the sport of weightlifting. May God bless him and his family.

My last appeal is for all those involved in local weightlifting and sports in general to give this devoted sportsman a fitting farewell when his funeral is held this morning at 8.30a.m. at the San Gwann Parish Church.