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Malta's bid for hosting the Games of the Small States of Europe captures the attention of the Liechtenstein media
14/07/1999
In an interview given to one of the leading Liechtenstein newspapers, the "Liechtensteiner Volksblatt", (published on Saturday, 5th June 1999) Parliamentary Secretary Jesmond Mugliett gave an account of Malta's participation during the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE). He also gave a preview of his expectations for the Games which will be held in Malta in 2003.
The full translation of the article follows:
‘In 2003 Malta will have been a member of the Olympic Family for 75 years. Malta first took part in the Olympics in 1928 in Amsterdam, albeit still under a foreign flag.The 315.6 square kilometre island-state has behind it a long history rich in tradition. This began with Sicilian settlers who reached Malta 5000 BC, by the just under 100km sea-route. The last chapter for the much besieged Maltese was written by the British: not until 1921 - after over 100 years of colonial rule by the British - was Malta granted its own constitution and self-government. Malta has been fully independent since 1964 and a republic since 1974.
For Maltese athletes this meant that, for many years at the Olympics, they had to start under the British Flag. Since our Independence we've therefore been all the more delighted when the red and white flag with the Cross of St. George is raised when winners are honoured. It is moreover very important to the newly-elected parliament that much is invested in sport.
After the successful 1993 Games of the Small States of Europe the Maltese resolved to be the host country again as soon as possible.
Organising the GSSE entails enormous expenditure for a country. But how great are the after-effects for the host country? Jesmond Mugliett sees favourable effect for his country on many levels: " Of course the 1993 Games necessitated a whole series of investments in, for, example, sports stadiums, roads and expansion of the public transport. But they have since proved well worthwhile. In the past few years we have also held other international sporting events. In addition, the Mini Olympics did not just bring athletes to Malta. They were accompanied by officials and top-level politicians. We were thus able to make important contacts during the Games. Tourism, a very important sector of our economy, also benefited from the lively reporting in the international media. We got a real boost from the Games in many fields and are keenly looking forward to 2003'.
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