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MFA rejects Joseph Portelli’s request to play for Hamrun Spartans

MFA rejects Joseph Portelli's request to play for Hamrun Spartans
Jan 31 2023 Share

According Net Television’s Replay, the Executive Board within the Malta Football Association has decided that they will not accept Joseph Portelli’s request to register as a player for Hamrun Spartans Football Club.

Meeting earlier today, the executive board was called for an urgent meeting yesterday evening, shortly after the Hamrun Spartans Football Club formally started an application for Joseph Portelli to be registered as a player within the club.

Also yesterday, the Spartans presented Portelli’s letter of resignation as club president; the Gozitan business magnate had to resign before attempting to register as a player.

Sources close to Malta Daily have suggested that Portelli will be appealing this decision.

What do you make of this?

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Games of the Small States of Europe being organised in Malta are only a few months away

Jan 31 2023 Share

GSSE 2023 Organising Committee Press Briefing highlights the progress achieved and challenges ahead for the Games in Malta

The Local Organising Committee of the XIX Games of the Small States of Europe hosted a press briefing earlier on this morning for members of the media and other Games stakeholders.

Addressing the briefing were Maltese Olympic Committee Media Director Maria Vella-Galea who explained that this is a first of series of media briefings which will take place in the run up to the Games.  Also addressing the briefing were Local Organising Committee Chair Mark Cutajar, MOC President Julian Pace Bonello, MOC Director of Sport Charlene Attard and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation​ Hon. Dr Clifton Grima.

Maltese Olympic Committee President Julian Pace Bonello, explained the important role the media plays in bringing the Games to the tips of the Maltese in public in general, be it in words, photo or video. Pace Bonello reiterated that the media’s expertise and  enthusiasm are key to capture the memorable moments, the passion, the glory and the essence of these  Games using a fair and unbiased perspective.   The purpose of this media briefing was to ensure that members of the media are fully aware of the progress being made and the challenges being faced by Games stakeholders particularly as we reacha crucial stage in the preparation of these Games.

“Sport can be a major force for positive change, and I firmly believe that the Games of the Small States of Europe can be a strong force which will leave a long lasting legacy to our island” commented Pace Bonello, “As President of the Maltese Olympic Committee, I can assure of of the team’s commitment to continue strengthening the good relations we have and to work closely with you to ensure you have the necessary support to spread the GSSE message.”  

Local Organising Committee Chair Mark Cutajar gave an explaination on the investment that has been put into these games. €5million have been allocated towards training programmes for athletes aiming to be part of Team Malta, and a further allocation of €60milion which were devoted the the refurbishment of existing facilities as well as the construction of new ones. These facilities do not only comply with international standards but were overhauled to ensure that they offer athletes, making use of them, the best possible experience.   Cutajar went on to explain that an Olympic sized indoor pool is currently in the final throes of development in SportMalta’s Cottonera Complex and is expected to be ready in time for the Games, whilst the outdoor National Pool Complex  in Gzira has also undergone significant refurbishment and is ready to host the swimming events in June.   In the coming months, a handball pavillion, a gymnastics centre, rugby stadium, a tennis, squash and weightlifting centre as well as an indoor pool on the other island of Gozo will also be inaugurated all to the tune of €60m of investment which included a world class Shooting Range.

“Since we officially launched the Games a year go, the number of hours put in by the volunteers in preparation for these Games have been immeasurable. All this is being done to ensure that all the delegations will have a memorable experience in Malta” remarked Mark Cutajar, Chair of the local Games Organising Committee As we reach the 100 day mark, there is still a lot of work to be done, but am confident that the Games will be extraordinary”

Maltese Olympic Committee’s Director of Sport Charlene Attard explained the holistic approach that is being taken for all athletes earmarked for participation in the ten sporting disciplines.  Attard explained that apart from following an intensive technical programme, athletes have also access to medical, psychological, nutritional and strength and conditioning services.  Whilst the initial list of athletes is being drafted, Attard explained that six athletes have already gained their first Minimum Qualifying Standard (MQS)  in Athletics, however they still need to obtain the second MQS by April.  In other sports, such as tennis and squash, athletes have been competing on professional tours and have achieved some very good results. Similarly in sailing, judo and shooting, whilst in Basketball and Rugby 7s, are currently competing abroad and will be flying in the Malta closer to the date to be present for the local training schedules. Although table tennis has undergone some challening times in the part months training is steadily progressing and there is cautious optimism for this discipline.

“Malta will be competing in all the ten disciplines and we are looking at a contingent of approximately 240 athletes. We are working hard to achieve our objective that of having the best medal tally in the Games of the Small States of Europe here in Malta as well as ensuring these Games will leave a strong legacy for future generations” concluded Charlene Attard, Director of Sport.

The Minister for Education and Sport Dr Clifton Grima emphasized on the importance of these Games which also had to leave a legacy for future generations. “The Government, Maltese Olympic Committee and SportMalta were brought together to ensure that Malta could host successful Games.  Millions have been invested in sports, infrastructure, tens of millions have been invested in our athletes as well as investment in those ten sport disciplines that will be, as well as a long term agreement with the Maltese Olympic Committee “ Dr. Grima concluded.

The XIX Games of the Small States of Europe will take place between the 29th May and 4th June and are supported by the – Government of Malta, , Sport Malta, National Development Social Fund, European Olympic Committees, Ministry for Tourism, MITA, AIMS, National Lotteries, Wellbee’s Supermarkets, ATOS and General Soft Drinks.

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YouTuber Mr Beast asks followers if he should run for President

YouTuber Mr Beast asks followers if he should run for President
Jan 31 2023 Share

Popular American YouTu MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, Recently caused a stir on social media when he announced his intention to run for the US presidency. 

On Twitter, he asked if he should run for the position and received an overwhelmingly positive response. 

Out of over 1 million votes cast, 69.5% of people believe he would be a good fit for the Oval Office. Some users believe that having a president with good intentions and no political knowledge is better than having a corrupt president with political experience. 

However, MrBeast is only 24 years old and does not meet the age requirements set by the U.S. Constitution to run for President.

In his latest YouTube video, MrBeast revealed that he had helped 1,000 blind people regain their sight, an effort estimated to have cost $5 million. 

This act of kindness has led some to believe that he may be a good fit for the presidency. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that MrBeast has a strong following and that people are interested in seeing what he may do next.

#MaltaDaily

60 year old man hospitalised after car crash in Luqa

60 year old man hospitalised after car crash in Luqa
Jan 31 2023 Share

A 60-year-old man resident of Żurrieq was taken to Mater Dei this morning at around 0730hrs due to getting injured in a traffic accident in Vjal l-Avjazzjoni, Ħal Luqa. 

Investigations showed that a car crash had occurred between Hyundai 120 driven by a 61 year old resident of Ħal Safi and a Kymco motorcycle driven by the victim. 

A medical team was called immediately on site, with an ambulance taking the motorcyclist for further medical care. He was later certified as having suffered grievous injuries. 

Investigations are still ongoing. 

#MaltaDaily