Commonwealth Games medal earns young shooter Lm1,000

Shooting prodigy William Chetcuti received a Lm1,000 pay cheque last night by the Malta Olympic Committee as a reward for winning a double-trap bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester last summer.

The presentation ceremony was held during a meeting at the University Sports Complex which was attended by most of the athletes currently preparing for the GSSE.

On the same occasion the MOC also announced that record bonuses will be awarded to medal winners in the Malta 2003 Games.

During the last few years Chetcuti, 17, had performed admirably in various international events, MOC Director of Sport Pippo Psaila said, earning the respect of top shooters around the world.

"His achievement is a perfect response to those who claim that our athletes are destined for mediocrity because they underestimate the great potential that exists in Maltese sport," Psaila said.

"Chetcuti has worked hard to reach the level of performance that reaped him that medal. He is totally committed to his sport and has a firm belief of his ability. He is one true shining example."

Psaila yesterday said that the Games are 174 days away as he urged the athletes present to start building enough confidence and desire to do well to make a Malta Olympic Committee dream come true.

"We have a dream and we would like you to share with us this dream and help us reach our goal. Come next June, we have a vision of the Maltese public sitting proudly not only for the fantastic organisation of the Games but also of your achievements," Psaila told the athletes.

"These Games can change your lives for good - don't let anyone down. Keep working hard and start believing in your abilities to help the nation notch a respectable result."

MOC president Lino Farrugia Sacco shared Psaila's thoughts and said that during the past few months his organisation had invested strongly to give the Maltese athletes the best possible preparation.

The Malta GSSE is set to be the biggest ever and medal success for local athletes will be rewarded with the best bonuses ever.

Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco added that the MOC had streamed the bonuses in three sections: team events, doubles and individual events.

The team events have the lowest bonuses attached while the individual events have the biggest prize. Gold medallists will pocket Lm700.

Bonus schemes

Team event: Gold - Lm315, Silver - Lm190, Bronze - Lm 125.

Doubles event: Gold - Lm350, Silver - Lm210, Bronze Lm150.

Individual event: Gold - Lm700, Silver - Lm375, Bronze - Lm225.