First Event Leading Up To Games Of Small States Of Europe Hosted In Żurrieq
The first out of nine games being hosted by Malta leading up to the Games of the Small States of Europe kicked off this weekend in Żurrieq.
The Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) is a biennial multi-sport event, launched by the Republic of San Marino, organised by and featuring the National Olympic Committees of nine European small states since 1985.
Local Councils are supporting these games, dubbed as ‘Roadshows’, to expose local talent and promote the actual games which will be held in Malta between the 29th of May till the 4th of June.
The event was comprised of an Obstacle Course Racing by Żurrieq’s Scout Group, a cycling BMX Demonstration as well as thrilling athletic and football sporting activities from local clubs Żurrieq Wolves and Żurrieq FC.
Those present for this engaging experience had a chance to meet two local talents Lacey Aquilina and Shaun Aquilina, whose father Mario Aquilina is a two-time Olympian and also won a Gold medal at the 2003 games held in Malta, where they gave a gripping speech on how they are preparing for the actual games amongst other encouraging remarks for those who took part in the event or have still to participate.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli praised the local councils who pitched in their support and contribution for organizing such activities within their respective communities.
“The sports activities prepared for GSSE Roadshow give a clear example of how much the local councils work to carry out various activities that give life to their localities in a different way,” said Zerafa Civelli.
When spoken to the minister for national heritage, the arts, and the local government Owen Bonnici, remarked the need to create more sporting events thus bolstering sporting culture within our communities and eventually the nation.
“We are committed to continuing to grow cultural and sports activism in various localities in our country,” Bonnici stated.
The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima defined the event as being an epitome of unison between the sports community and the general public.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the athletes, sportsmen, officials, and delegations who will be amongst us for this prestigious event,” said Minister Grima.
“An event that belongs to the sportsmen as much as it belongs to the whole people. With this event, we are raising the profile of our country and at the same time encouraging more young people and children to enter the world of sport. Above all, for these games, we are involving everyone because we want this to be an experience that not only our sportsmen enjoy, but also the people in general,” Minister Grima continued.
Mark Cutajar, chairman of the local games committee praised the support given by local councils, SportMalta, and the Maltese Olympic Committee, whilst greeting the local athletes to compete in the official games to be held.
Puka the official mascot of the 2023 GSSE games was also greeted and taken for a stroll around the locality of Żurrieq.
The next GSSE Local Council Roadshow events will take place in the following localities Cospicua (Saturday 25th February), Żabbar (Sunday 12th March), Siġġiewi (Sunday 26th March), Pembroke (Saturday 15th April), San Ġwann (Saturday 29th April), Qormi (Saturday 13th May), Valletta (Saturday 20th May) and Victoria, Gozo (Saturday 27th May).
One could also submit interest for voluntary support within the games by applying through the official Malta Olympic Committee’s website thus participating and being part of the event itself.
The Games of the Small States of Europe are supported by SportMalta, NDSF, Welbee’s Supermarket, National Lottery, MITA, General Soft Drinks, Visit Malta, European Olympic Committees, GO, and Enemed.
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