Merchandise launched

A wide range of Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) official merchandise was launched to the media yesterday by the Organising Committee of the GSSE Malta 2003 between June 2 and 7.

The various items will be made available to the public through a network of authorised outlets. These include commemorative pins, key chains, t-shirts, polo shirts, mugs, ties, CD's and a limited edition of commemorative medals.

The Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) marked the occasion by paying a courtesy visit to the Minister for Youth and the Arts, Jesmond Mugliett at the new Ministry in Valletta.

MOC president Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco said that having souvenirs tied to a sporting event is a very important tool of the Malta 2003 Games. The objective of this initiative is to reflect the spirit of the Games and provide a unique memento for both Maltese and foreigners.

The director of the Games, Pippo Psaila, said that as the final stages of the Games organisation fall into place, the results of all the planning and preparation are being seen.

Besides these officials and MOC secretary Joe Cassar, the media conference was also addressed by Minister Mugliett who showed his satisfaction that in a few weeks' time he would be collaborating with the MOC with a view to making the GSSE a success.

He said that the government was present during the process of preparation for these Games as soon as the idea of staging the event in Malta took root in 1999.

The help extended to the MOC and the associations in the last years was intended to promote sport in Malta so that the level in this sector of our society will be further enhanced.

This was mostly evident in the completion of the University Sports Hall and the Cottonera Complex and other maintenance work at the Gozo Sports Complex and that at Corradino.

Funds were also utilised to purchase sport equipment for use in the Games. In the meantime, according to the Minister, other work is in the process of completion, particularly the resurfacing of the Marsa Athletic Track.

Mugliett concluded by saying that between May 28 and 29, the Ministers responsible for Youths from the small states of Europe will be meeting. After that he will be presiding an informal meeting for the Ministers of Sports of the same countries.