Decision on gymnasts

I refer to the letter by S. Dalli, vice-president of the Malta Gymnastics Federation (MGF) (May 6) wherein she states that the MGF is a democratic forum.

I beg to differ. An organisation which does not bar those who are coaches, or those who have a business relationship from taking an active role, including voting, in matters they have an interest in, is not a democratic one. Be that as it may. I notice that Ms Dalli shied away from addressing the main point that I made in my letter (April 22), i.e., that four of Malta's most talented young gymnasts have been denied the opportunity to compete in the Island Games in Crete by the MGF.

On a positive note, I should add that these same four gymnasts have just returned from a high profile international competition in Belgium where they faced stiffer opposition that they would have in the Island Games, bearing a total of seven medals between them, as well as third place overall as a team. Due to the controversial decision of the MGF, these young athletes' hopes of winning medals for their country in the Island Games this year are gone. What a pity!

I applaud the Malta Sports Council in its endeavours to assist the MGF in revising its statute so as to make it more democratic, in the hope that short-sighted decisions such as voting against participation in suitable international competitions are never allowed to happen again.