2003 Games of the Small States of Europe

Last updated
X Games of the Small States of Europe
Cont gssemblem.png
Country Flag of Malta.svg Malta
Nations8
Events105 in 10 sports
OpeningJune 2
ClosingJune 7
Opened by Guido de Marco
Website www.nocmalta.org/gsse.htm
  2001
2005  

The 2003 Games of the Small States of Europe, or the Xth Games of the Small States of Europe, were held in Valletta, Malta from June 2 to 7, 2003. Valletta previously hosted the games in 1993. Malta was not due to host the Games again until 2009, but a strong bid helped them to gain the games six years early. [1] Administration of the games was done jointly by the Maltese Ministry of Education and the Malta Olympic Committee. The games were declared open by President Guido de Marco on June 2.

Contents

Overview and participation

The 2003 edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe was attended by all of the eligible nations. Eligible nations are European states with fewer than 1 million citizens. 820 total athletes from the eight eligible nations competed, the highest ever; 803 attended the 1993 Games in Malta and the 2005 Games in Andorra had 793 participants. Host nation Malta had 156 athletes, the most of any nation. Cyprus had 143 participants of their own. The Icelandic delegation was 133 participants. Luxembourg also had over 100 representatives with 113. Monaco and San Marino came with 89 and 78 athletes, respectively. Andorra brought 66 participants, less than half of the total they would bring to the 2005 games. Liechtenstein had the smallest delegation, bringing only 42 athletes.

Competitions

Competitions in the 2003 Games were held in ten disciplines.

Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of medal events contested in each sport.

Themes and mascots

The theme song of the 2003 Games of the Small States was called “Reaching Higher” and continued in with the traditional themes of such music for international competitions. “Reaching Higher” was performed at the opening ceremonies by Ira Losco, a Maltese singer who had gained prominence in the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 representing Malta.

The mascot of the 2003 Games was Elmo, a cartoon-illustrated Pikeman. The official descriptions of Elmo state that he was chosen as mascot because Pikemen, as well as athletes, both need “a combination of physical preparation and a strong will to achieve success.” [2]

The official emblem for the 2003 Games is based around eight points. These eight points have two meanings: they resemble the Maltese Cross, a traditional symbol of Malta, and represent the eight competing members of the Games of the Small States of Europe. [2] The logos colours incorporate the colours of the flags of participant nations.

Highlights

Medal count

  *   Host nation (Malta)

RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1Flag of Cyprus.svg  Cyprus  (CYP)34202781
2Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg  (LUX)21171553
3Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland  (ISL)20242367
4Flag of Malta.svg  Malta  (MLT)*11181544
5Flag of Monaco.svg  Monaco  (MON)771024
6Flag of San Marino.svg  San Marino  (SMR)610925
7Flag of Andorra.svg  Andorra  (AND)46818
8Flag of Liechtenstein.svg  Liechtenstein  (LIE)2125
Totals (8 entries)105103109317

Venues

Most of the events were concentrated in and around Valletta, but very few took place in Valletta proper. Swimming events took place at the National Swimming Pool Complex, which is also where the official offices of the Malta Olympic Committee are located. The swimming complex is under the scope of the University of Malta.

Adjacent to the Swimming Complex, and also on the university campus, was the sports complex where basketball games were held. Both events were in Msida, near Valletta. Tennis and squash were held at the sporting in club in Marsa, south of Valletta. Also located in Marsa is the Maltese National Athletics Stadium, known as the Matthew Micallef St. John Athletics Stadium.

Athletics events were held at the stadium, which underwent upgrades in preparation for the Games. [4] Judo took place in the Sporting Pavilion at St. Aloysius’ College in Birkirkara. The volleyball events took place at two different locations in two different cities. Women's volleyball took place at the Cottonera Sports Complex in Cospicua. Men's volleyball took place in the Corradino Sports Complex in Paola, a few miles south.

Among the events held further from Valletta were the sailing events. Sailing events took place in at St. Paul's Bay at the New Dolmen Beach Resort. Shooting events took place in Bidnija.

All events but one took place on Malta, this being table tennis that was held at the Gozo Sports Complex in Rabat, also known as Victoria, Malta.

See also

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References

  1. "Games of the Small States of Europe Update." Malta Olympic Committee. "Malta Olympic Committee - Kumitat Olimpiku Malti". Archived from the original on 2007-10-08. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  2. 1 2 ”GSSE Malta 2003.” Malta Olympic Committee. "Malta Olympic Committee - GSSE Malta 2003". Archived from the original on 2003-03-14. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  3. ”Games of the Small States of Europe.” GBR Athletics. http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/gsse.htm
  4. ”Matthew Micallef St. John Athletic Track.” European Athletics. http://www.darrengilford.com/TrackMatthewMicallefStJohnAthleticTrack.htm Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine