March 2019

WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós was welcomed in Malta by the president of the National Olympic Committee Julian Pace Bonello. The inclusion of Karate in the programme of the Games of the Small States of Europe to be held in Malta in 2023 was on top of the agenda of the meeting. 

As a result of the efforts of Karate’s international governing body to expand the presence of the sport in all multi-sports events, Mr Espinós’ visit had the goal of showcasing the values of the discipline ahead of the decision of finalising the sports programme for the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe. A report presenting the candidacy of Karate to be included in the event in 2023 was presented and the many achievements of the sport in the region were highlighted.

The meeting was also attended by the Sports Director of the Maltese National Olympic Committee Ivan Balzan, the Secretary-General of the Malta Olympic Committee Joseph Cassar, the president of the Small States of Europe Karate Federation Andreas Vasileiou, the president of the Maltese Karate federation Kenneth Abela, and representatives of the national Karate federation, Audrey Zammit and Jesmond Schembri.

“Karate can bring many values to the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe. We are convinced that our sport will be an excellent addition to the event to be held in Malta due to the popularity of our sport, our sporting spirit and the tremendous influence on Karate in young ages. We hope to have the support of the Maltese National Olympic Committee and I would like to thank its president Julian Pace Bonello for taking the time to welcome us here,” declared WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós.

(Picture: WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós heads the Karate delegation in the meeting with the president of the Maltese national Olympic Committee Julian Pace Bonello)