Il-Hagar Museum’s cultural programme continues this Saturday, the 19th October, with a commemorative event paying tribute to Gozitan poet and linguist Frank Mercieca, starting at 11am.
A dairy foreman by profession, Frank Mercieca was born in Victoria on the 30th of August 1937. He studied in Malta, Lebanon, Estonia, Scotland, and Denmark. Later in life, he dedicated himself to agriculture and the study of the Maltese language. He wrote numerous articles in local papers debating recent changes in Maltese orthography and grammar. He also wrote poetry.
A key figure in St George’s Square, Mercieca was always surrounded by an attentive group of friends debating current affairs, history, and, of course, the Maltese language. He passed away on the 9th of November 2011.
The event will feature an address by John Cremona, Assistant National Archivist for Gozo, and musical interludes by the BrassTubes ensemble (Director: Mark Gauci).
Then, on Tuesday, the 22nd of October, Il-Hagar Museum, in collaboration with Victoria Hotspurs Football Club and the Maltese Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport, is presenting a talk by Andy Grech, Head of Education and Policy at the latter entity. This event starts at 6.30pm.
The speaker will delve into the critical issues of anti- doping and competition manipulation in sports. Doping involves the use of banned substances or methods to artificially enhance athletic performance, violating the integrity of sport and jeopardising athletes’ health. Similarly, competition manipulation refers to any act designed to improperly influence the outcome of a sporting event, often for personal, financial, or political advantage.
These practices severely undermine fair competition and the core values of sport. This lecture will explore the impact of these unethical behaviours on the sporting world and discuss strategies to protect the integrity of competitions.
Grech is pursuing a career in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development. With a focus on addressing contemporary challenges in sports management, he supports governing bodies in their efforts to shape sporting opportunities and align sport with broader social policy objectives.
Both events are free, but seat reservations are recommended by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt [1].
More details about upcoming events at Il-Hagar can be found by visiting the museum’s website: https://heartofgozo.mt/il-hagar-events-booklet-oct-dec-24/ [2].