The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) has unveiled the athletes who will represent Malta at three major international multi-sport events later this year – the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, and the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
The squads were officially announced by MOC Director of Sport Charlene Attard, who explained that selections were made according to published criteria developed in consultation with the respective national sports federations.
“The criteria were built on international results against which we want to benchmark ourselves and were developed in collaboration with the respective sporting federations,” Attard said.
Medal winners lead experienced contingent
The Maltese delegation includes several athletes with proven success at major international competitions.
Among them are Connie Rixon and Katryna Esposito, both Commonwealth Games bronze medallists from Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 in lawn bowls and judo respectively.
At Mediterranean Games level, Stefan Farrugia previously secured bronze in raffa at Tarragona, while Elaine Genovese claimed silver in the women’s doubles tennis event at Oran.
They will be joined by a blend of experienced international competitors and promising young athletes aiming to make their mark on the international stage.
Historic Glasgow Games for Malta
The Commonwealth Games, taking place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, will mark a significant milestone for Maltese sport.
For the first time, Malta will compete with a unified Olympic and Paralympic team at the Commonwealth Games following the inclusion of para powerlifter Nick Mercieca.
Mercieca has been selected to compete in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting event and has been chosen as Malta’s baton bearer during the Opening Ceremony.
Meanwhile, lawn bowls athlete Connie Rixon has been named Malta’s flag bearer.
Malta will compete in athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, judo, lawn bowls, para powerlifting, and weightlifting, with Dr Lucienne Attard serving as Chef de Mission.
Attard expressed confidence that Malta can continue its strong Commonwealth Games tradition.
“Malta has a strong record at the Commonwealth Games, with Maltese athletes delivering some of the country’s most notable results. Building on that momentum, the contingent travels to Glasgow with genuine ambitions of adding to Malta’s medal tally,” she said.
Strong team selected for Mediterranean Games
The Mediterranean Games, scheduled for Taranto between 21 August and 3 September, will see Malta compete across a wide range of disciplines including athletics, badminton, cycling, karate, raffa, rowing, sailing, shooting, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon and wrestling.
Andre Cassar (shooting) and Francesca Clark (badminton) have been selected as Malta’s flag bearers, while Charlene Attard will serve as Chef de Mission.
Young athletes set for Dakar
The Summer Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Dakar from 31 October to 13 November, will make history as the first Olympic event to be staged on African soil.
Malta will compete in artistic gymnastics, athletics, and swimming, with Johanna Grech appointed Chef de Mission.
Swimmers Yulya Ann Bonnici and Samuel Camilleri will carry the Maltese flag during the Opening Ceremony.
“They have earned the right to compete”
MOC President Julian Pace Bonello praised the dedication shown by every selected athlete.
“Each of the athletes we announced today has earned their place through qualification standards, results and years of quiet sacrifice—early mornings, long evenings and countless hours of training that nobody sees. They have earned the right to compete, not merely to participate. That is a distinction we are proud of and one that reflects the direction Maltese sport has taken in recent years.”
The Maltese Olympic Committee also confirmed it will provide daily updates throughout all three Games via its official website and social media platforms.
The MOC thanked its partners, including the Government of Malta through SportMalta, the National Development and Social Fund, the European Olympic Committees, Olympic Solidarity, and APS Bank, for their continued support of Maltese athletes.
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