Malta wraps up a successful Small Nations Games

June 8, 2003

Malta exceeded her expectations in the 2003 Games of the Small countries of Europe, both on and off the field. The games were reportedly well organized, and, it will be reported in a few weeks whether or not the games made a profit. Games organizers are hinting that the outlook is positive for a small profit from the games.

On the field, Malta had her best small nations games performance ever winning 11 gold, 18 silver and 15 bronze medals. Malta's previous high for gold medals was seven and for total medals was 35, both at the 2001 games in San Marino.

The head of the organizing committee, Mr. Justice Farrugia Sacco, at the end of the games proposed beginning another competition for sports that are not included in the Small Nations Games, to be held every two or four years.

Cyprus finished on top of the medals table for just the second time in the history of the games.

Iceland, though second in total medals, slipped to third in the gold medal race, just the second time that Iceland had not won the medals race in ten editions of the games. 317 medals were awarded at this years games, second only to the 1997 games when 326 medals were available. Even given the availability of medals, Iceland's 20 gold medals was its lowest total ever in the games, having won 21 gold medals in the 1985 and 1989 games.

Luxembourg slipped in for second in the gold medal tally, its best ever performance.

Andorra is on the schedule to host the 2005 games and Monaco was named as 2007 at these games. Cyprus has nominated itself as host for the 2009 edition and Liechtenstein has asked for the 2011 games.

Medals table

2003 Games of the Small Countries of Europe

Monaco to host 2007 Games of the Small States of Europe

June 5, 2003

Meetings held in Malta at this years Games of the Small States of Europe have confirmed that Monaco will host the 2007 edition. Monaco bid uncontested for these games.

During Monday's meeting, the committee decided to confirm Monaco as GSSE 2007 hosts. They were uncontested in their bid.

Cyprus has offered to host the 2009 games and Liechtenstein the 2011 games, both to be confirmed at a later date.

Andorra, the next games host in 2005, had planned on dropping women's volleyball as an event as they have no national team in that sport, but the games executive committee informed them that the event was required.