Maltese shooters enjoy a strong tradition at the Games of the Small States of Europe as in every edition this discipline is included in the programme of sport, Team Malta has always been among the leading challengers for a medal.
Competing on home soil, Maltese shooters are bidding for another strong display as they are expected to challenge for the gold medal in trap, skeet, and double trap.
Clive Farrugia is heading into the skeet event as one of Malta’s best hopes of challenging for a place on the podium, particularly after a strong showing in the ISSF World Cup where he managed to reach the final of the skeet event in Larnaca where he finished eighth.
That result was a welcome boost for Farrugia who is making his third appearance in the Games where he has only a bronze medal to show, won in the 2009 edition in Cyprus.
Buoyed by this result, Farrugia made no secret of his ambition to challenge for gold at the Malta Games, something no skeet shooter has managed so far in the history of the Games of the Small States of Europe.
“I have been preparing for these Games for the past year, competing in local selections as well as high-profile international events,” Farrugia said.
“During the past 12 months, I tried to show maximum commitment while remaining focused on the challenge ahead.
“Competition in the GSSE is quite strong given that countries like San Marino and Cyprus will be represented.
“I am aware that I will be facing some top shooters in these Games but I am unfazed by this challenge as I competed against them and managed to finish ahead of them in international events so I am ready for the challenge.”
One added advantage Maltese shooters have in these Games is the fact that they will be competing in front of their home fans and no doubt the Ta’ Kandja Shooting Range will provide a warm reception for the home team.
Farrugia said that he is really looking forward to compete in front of the Maltese fans and has set his sights to win the gold medal.
“I am really looking forward to competing in front of my fans and my family as it was not always possible for them to see me compete abroad,” Farrugia said.
“I have a clear goal in my mind for these Games, to create history by winning the gold medal here in Malta. It’s not going to be easy but I am ready to give it my best shot to achieve this goal.”
