Maltese athletes who won medals in the Small States Games will be receiving over €500,000 in funds, with thousands going to individual athletes.

The gold medal winners in these games, held in May, were awarded €10,000 each, with the athletes and sportspeople sharing this amount among themselves if they participated as a team.

Monetary gifts were also given to those who won bronze and silver medals.

A total sum of €575,300 was distributed among 97 winners in these three medal categories.

In the first edition of these games in 1985, Malta not only impressed in the medal standings but also set an absolute record in the number of medals won.

With 38 gold medals, 30 silver medals, and 29 bronze medals, Malta achieved a total of 97 medals, surpassing all other participating countries, not only in the number of gold medals but also in the overall number of medals won.

These winners were recognised during the 20th edition of the MOC Gala Sport Awards held yesterday.

The aim of the evening was to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Maltese athletes who distinguished themselves in top international competitions organised under the auspices of their respective international sports federations or recognised international sports organisations.

National Federations and Associations were invited to submit nominations for athletes and sportspeople between mid-October of the previous year and mid-October of the current year.

Sports Minister Clifton Grima expressed pride in the success achieved by the country through the collective efforts of all those who contributed, emphasising their role in inspiring future athletes and young Maltese and Gozitans.

Grima thanked them for their participation and the results obtained, assuring them of his support in a sector that continues to develop continuously.