Opposition calls on government to sponsor waterpolo players’ full-time training

Opposition Whip David Agius says government should sponsor full-time training by covering cost of employers’ expenses • Government congratulates historic achievement

Buoyed by Malta’s historic qualification for the waterpolo European Championship finals, Opposition Whip David Agius has called on the government to sponsor the Maltese waterpolo players’ full-time training.

Agius, the Opposition’s spokesperson on youths and sport, said the athletes should prepare for the Janury 2016 Belgrade championships by training on a full-time basis.

The Opposition Whip explained that athletes should not be left to their own devices, and that the PN will cooperate with the government if the latter pledged to cover the employers’ costs.

Agius also called on PBS to purchase the TV rights to broadcast Malta’s matches, and held that Maltese supporters should be incentivised to travel to Belgrade next year.

Echoing the PN's earlier congratulations, the Opposition Whip also said that the waterpolo team’s success confirms their talent, and that in spite of being bereft of investment; the Maltese athletes are capable of securing a good result.

On his part, parliamentary secretary for sport Chris Agius also extended his congratulations for the waterpolo team after it had secured the needed two wins on Saturday.

“The government showed that it values the importance of waterpolo in Malta ever since it was elected. The government will also incentivise a lower income tax rate for waterpolo players, and continue to invest in the Tal-Qroqq national pool and a waterpolo pitch in Birzebbuga,” he said. 

The parliamentary secretary also praised the Malta coach Karl Izzo, his assistants, as well as the Aquatic Sport Association (ASA) led by President Joe Caruana Curran.

Malta beat Switzerland 20-8 in their opening game on Friday, and on Saturday, it beat Poland 13-8 to secure its historic qualification. Malta wrapped up its commitments this morning when it lost 24-3 to Germany.