The Maltese Olympic Committee has announced the formation of its new Athletes’ Commission, which will serve for the four-year term from 2026 to 2030 and act as the primary bridge between Malta’s active sporting community and the MOC leadership. Established following an official call for nominations across the Maltese sporting sector, the Commission was constituted after candidates were assessed against eligibility criteria set in accordance with International Olympic Committee guidelines, ensuring that athletes with recent competitive experience at Olympic, European, Commonwealth, Mediterranean or GSSE level were considered. The new Commission brings together six athletes representing a diverse cross-section of Maltese sport, including Matthew Abela from badminton, Eleanor Bezzina from shooting, Elliana Buhagiar from golf, Aidan Buttigieg from cycling, Sana Grillo from athletics, and Daniel Tanti Farrugia from handball.
Both Bezzina and Abela bring valuable continuity to the group, having served on the previous Commission, and following its formation Bezzina was elected Chair while Abela will serve as Vice Chair. Commenting on her appointment, Bezzina emphasized the vital role the Commission plays in ensuring that the voices of Maltese athletes are heard at the highest level of sporting governance, noting that the breadth of sport represented around the table allows the group to reflect the realities faced by athletes across very different disciplines and environments. She said the diversity of experience means the Commission can advocate for athletes in a more informed and meaningful way, and she looks forward to working alongside fellow members to make a tangible difference for athletes in Malta over the coming four years.
In accordance with the MOC Statute, Bezzina will retain her position on the MOC Executive Board as a voting member, serving as the official athletes’ representative elected by the Athletes’ Commission and confirmed by the General Assembly, while the Commission also holds two votes within the General Assembly. The mission of the Athletes’ Commission is to ensure the representation of athletes’ viewpoints in decision-making programmes and to offer support and education to athletes in order to enable them succeed in their sport, while also safeguarding their rights and providing structured feedback on matters of welfare, competition, and selection policy. MOC President Julian Pace Bonello welcomed the newly appointed Commission and underlined the importance of athlete representation in shaping the future of Maltese sport, reinforcing the Committee’s commitment to placing athletes at the heart of all decision-making processes.
