Malta Revisited - Successful FISEC Games in Malta 2008
From July 15 to 21, the 60th FISEC Summer Games took place in Bugibba, a small resort on the island of Malta. Almost a thousand youngsters and adults met in Malta to compete and celebrate. The festive Opening Ceremony of the 60th Games was organised in the historic City of Mdina.
Delegations started arriving on July 14th and the Organizing Committee was very worried because of the transport strike that threatened transport facilities on the whole island. Fortunately the effects of the strike did not cause too much trouble although some sports were delayed and had to be organised in another
Opening Ceremony in Mdina, the "Silent City"
The Opening Ceremony for FISEC Games 2008 was held on Wednesday, the 16th of July, 2008 in the Old Capital City of Malta, Mdina. Known as 'the Silent City', Mdina is the old capital city of Malta and retains nowadays its unique atmosphere. Its entrance is one of the most classic entrances on the island and great porticos and impressive buildings can be found inside the city. Amongst its famous guests, it boasts the presence of St Paul who enjoyed the famous Maltese hospitality in Mdina. In AD60 St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta. He cured the father of the Roman Governor at the time (Publius) of a desperate illness. Publius later converted to Christianity and became the first Bishop of Malta. The Cathedral of Mdina is dedicated to St Paul.
View of Mdina, beautiful historic town on the island of Malta, venue of the Opening Ceremony.
Transport strike during the fist days of the Games. A lot of creative actions had to safeguard the Games from serious problems.
Although the Opening Ceremony was temporarily threatened by a transport strike, the Organising Committee could, in the end, realise their long cherished dream of having an Opening Ceremony in Mdina. It was well worth it! Around 21.00 hrs FISEC board and officials of the Organising Committee, followed by delegations of youngsters of the 10 participating countries marched into Mdina. A beautiful experience!
FISEC delegations (10 countries) forming the procession outside the gate of Mdina.
The participants were seated in front of the historic Cathedral and a modern and inspiring mass celebration was held. After mass a festive programme was presented with 'military precison drills, music and dance. The 60th FISEC Games were declared open by FISEC's president Math Pieters (The Netherlands).
The Fisec Summer Games 2008 are declared 'OPEN" by FISEC's President Math Pieters.
Celebration of Mass during the Opening Ceremony.
Mesmerizing atmosphere during the Opening Ceremony in front of Mdina cathedral.
More than 1000 youngsters and adults enjoyed an open air Mass and festive opening of the 60th FISEC Games in the square in front of the famous Cathedral of Mdina. It was like a fairytale. The atmosphere was fantastic when the procession of FISEC officials, followed by all delegations marched through the historic portico of Mdina to gather in the historic square in front of the Cathedra. Mass was an inspiring dialogue between the Maltese priest father Attard and his two FISEC confreres (Spain and Hungary). Youngsters from each delegation presented presents from their country and said prayers in their own language.