Three giants of Maltese sport took centre stage at this year’s Maltese Olympic Committee Gala Sports Awards, as Charles Camenzuli, Jean Paul Fleri Soler and the late Patrick Pace were officially inducted into the prestigious MOC Hall of Fame. Camenzuli was recognised for his lifelong contribution as a sports historian and journalist, documenting Malta’s Olympic and sporting journey for decades.
Fleri Soler, an Olympian and one of the leading figures in the rise of sailing in Malta, was honoured for his key role in pushing the sport forward. Pace, remembered as a pioneer of baseball on the island, was celebrated posthumously for his vision and work in building the foundations of the game in Malta.
Their inductions formed the emotional highlight of the MOC’s 21st Gala Sports Awards, held on Sunday evening, where the committee celebrated two seasons of international success and growth for Maltese sport. In total, 173 awards were presented to athletes and teams who distinguished themselves on the international stage during the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons, reflecting both the depth and breadth of Maltese sporting achievement.
Awards were given to athletes competing in major international events under recognised International Federations and established global bodies. Performances at the Games of the Small States of Europe, the European Youth Olympic Festival, Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games, University Games, including FISU, NCAA and BUCS, as well as European and World Championships, Commonwealth and Mediterranean Championships and the Olympic Games were all taken into account. Selection criteria included the level of competition, size of the field and the results achieved by Maltese athletes.
Maria Vella Galea, Chairperson of the Gala Sports Awards Organising Committee, underlined the significance of the evening by noting that every award represented years of sacrifice, training and determination. She described the ceremony as a celebration of dedication and resilience, and a chance to shine a light on the individuals and teams who are consistently raising Malta’s sporting profile abroad. MOC President Julian Pace Bonello echoed those sentiments, highlighting the outstanding performances of the past two years and stressing that these awards both recognise achievement and reflect the ongoing growth of Maltese sport.
The MOC’s GSSE Special Awards and GSSE bronze, silver and gold categories showcased Malta’s success at the Games of the Small States of Europe. In athletics, names such as Mireya Bugeja, Luke Micallef, Beppe Grillo and Gina McNamara stood out, while relay squads and team events also received strong recognition. Cycling, swimming, artistic swimming, artistic gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, karate, shooting, basketball 3×3 and rugby sevens all featured prominently, underlining how Malta has become increasingly competitive in a wide range of disciplines at GSSE level.
Beyond the GSSE, the Accomplishment Awards and Special Awards highlighted athletes and teams who achieved important results in other major events. From track to tatami, court to sea, sports such as athletics, badminton, billiards and snooker, sailing, lawn bowls, squash, table football, football, pool, rugby sevens, weightlifting and artistic gymnastics all had their champions acknowledged. Team Malta in weightlifting, Hamrun Spartans in football, and several Subbuteo clubs were among those recognised for their standout contributions and successes.
Bronze, silver and gold awards were also handed out to athletes who reached podiums or delivered high-level results across the international calendar. Bowlers like Sue Abela and Kayden Lagana, lawn bowlers Connie and Rebecca Rixon, cue sport specialist Brian Cini, triathlete Ryan Muscat, and sailing crews such as Team Boost Stella Maris and Victoria Schultheis were among those honoured, once again showing how Maltese athletes are competing with distinction in both traditional and emerging sports.
