In great news for sports fans, the Athletic Association of Small States of Europe (AASSE) has accepted Malta’s proposal to host the biennial Athletics Championships of the Small States of Europe, which will take place in June 2022. The championship is a pre-competition to the Games of Small Nations of Europe (GSSE), which will also be held on the Maltese Islands, later next year.

Who knows what this could mean for sports in Malta?

The President of Athletics Malta, and recently elected Vice-President of the European Athletics Congress, Andy Grech, was proud to announce the news stating that, “such events will strengthen Malta’s position on the international map, not solely in the field of athletics but in the wider sporting remit.” Andy’s high-ranking position could generate some much-needed attention to sports in Malta, and with this newfound platform, strengthen the voice of Maltese athletics in international communities.

Get ready to welcome some great athletes!

Andy also mentioned that this means “hundreds of high-quality international athletes will be visiting Malta, giving them a taste of what the country can offer while giving our elite athletes to continue strengthening their preparation on the road to the GSSE games a year after.” This will also give competition officials the experience needed to host such a prestigious event.

What opportunities could this open up for aspiring Maltese athletes?

Andy’s vision is that, with help from the AASSE playing a coordinating role, together they will strengthen connections and share resources - both human and infrastructural - between smaller nations. The aim of this collaboration will be to further their development as well as empower their voice on a European level.

Many top athletics officials were present during the annual meeting this weekend, including the Presidents of World Athletics and European Athletics. Many agreed with Andy on the fact that smaller countries need further assistance to support their development, as well as the need for tailor-made opportunities in aspects such as competitions and training.

In related news, Malta has also been accepted by the Balkan Athletics Federation as a Member State in their federation. This means more opportunities for Maltese athletes to compete at higher levels and participation in top-event educational programs.

How great is it to see Maltese athletes getting the opportunities they deserve?