FISEC Malta to propose new disciplines

The FISEC International Bureau has huge faith in the organisational skills of their Maltese counterparts as for the third time in six years the world governing sports federation of Catholic schools has again given its go-ahead for the student games to be held in Malta next year.

The increase in participation is proof of the popularity the Federation Internationale Sportive de l'Enseignement Catholique (FISEC) Games enjoy. Over 1,400 athletes, from 16 countries, travelled to Salamanca, Spain, this summer for the 55th FISEC Games.

FISEC Malta will help develop the Games even further. It was announced yesterday, that for next year's edition, between July 18 and 24, they have asked the International Bureau to include two new disciplines - table-tennis and gymnastics.

David Azzopardi, 2004 FISEC Games chef-de-mission, said the idea was proposed by the table-tennis and gymnastics federations. A decision will be taken in an international assembly in Naples next month.

"All depends on whether the other participating countries will be in favour or not," Azzopardi, the new Malta Olympic Committee Director of Sports, said.

"With various high-quality sports venues we now have available, the situation puts us in a strong position to go for a wider participation," he said.

Director of Games Louis Borg said the sport already confirmed for the Malta edition next year are football, handball, swimming, tennis, table-tennis, basketball and volleyball.

Malta is expected to field a contingent of 200 athletes.

Brother Martin Borg, FISEC Malta council chairman, said the support of Minister for Youth and the Arts Jesmond Mugliett was instrumental for the local organisation to be in a position to host the Games.

"Mr Mugliett has always insisted on the importance of hosting such international events on our shores," Bro. Borg said. "He also shares our view that the FISEC Games are an ideal stepping stone for those aspiring to represent Malta on a bigger arena in future."

Mugliett said sport was an integral part of students' education. After the unforgettable experience of 2002, where success was achieved from the competitive and organisational aspects, it was government's responsibility to support future editions of the FISEC Games in Malta.

The minister took the opportunity to pledge his support to other sports groups entrusted with the organisation of international events here. We need to promote our country as an ideal sporting venue, he said.