Interview

1. With over seven decades dedicated to the education, bodybuilding, and voluntary work, what key moments or achievements stand out to you as particularly fulfilling or impactful?

I have always had a deep passion for physical training and sports. When you love something, any excuse is valid to engage in it whenever possible. I guess that this is what prompted me to participate in voluntary work at various stages of my career. Looking back, I have no regrets about the years I dedicated to voluntary service. Aside from the personal satisfaction it brings, it also allows you to become a role model, demonstrating that providing a service to those in need is far more rewarding than simply being paid for your work.

However, I believe the key that unlocked many opportunities for me was the diploma course in Physical Culture organized by the International Federation of Physical Culture. I was the first Maltese to enrol in this course. While I was still at the Drydocks, a colleague named Twannie Xuereb encouraged me to apply for a position as a Physical Education teacher after spotting an ad in the newspaper. During the interview process, my official qualification in the field set me apart from other candidates. Additionally, some members of the selection board were familiar with my voluntary teaching experience at De la Salle College, and they appreciated my approach to the subject. As a result, I was offered the position and began teaching at St Joseph Secondary Technical School in Paola, becoming the first physical education teacher to secure a pensionable post with the government. This opportunity opened doors for me to further promote physical education across various sectors.

2. You played a pivotal role in transforming physical education from traditional, drill-based methods to a holistic experience. Can you share insights into how you pioneered this shift and the impact it had on students' well-being?

As I mentioned earlier, I have always been fascinated by training and sports, considering them essential for my personal growth, mental well-being, and physical health. Through regular training, I learned valuable skills such as goal setting, how to handle success and failure, and perseverance through challenges. These skills have proven applicable to various aspects of my life, including my education, career, and personal relationships.

Today, the holistic benefits of Physical Education are widely acknowledged. However, during my time, Physical Education was often limited to traditional, drill-based, and military-style methods. My primary goal was to change this approach, starting with my own classes. I went beyond merely providing a ball and allowing students to play football. Instead, I introduced them to a variety of sports, particularly basketball, as well as activities targeting different skills and areas of their bodies.

Transitioning from classroom teaching to a position at the Head Office of the Education Department in Valletta was a challenging decision. However, this role allowed me to further promote this innovative approach to Physical Education in more schools and provide them with the necessary resources. Looking back, I take pride in knowing that I played a part in the development of Physical Education and contributed to its elevated status today.

3. As a passionate bodybuilder since the age of 14, you've not only won numerous competitions but also dedicated significant time to promote bodybuilding as a sport. What motivated you to champion this cause, and how has the perception of bodybuilding evolved over the years?

The popularity of physical exercise and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle have seen significant growth in recent years. However, it wasn't always this way. In my time, spending hours in the gym, particularly for bodybuilding, was viewed as peculiar. People would often ridicule us, labelling us as 'those who prefer lifting iron to going out and having fun.'

Bodybuilding faced considerable lack of appreciation. We weren't recognized as athletes, and I recall a time when bodybuilders weren't even eligible for consideration as Sportsmen of the Year. Media coverage predominantly focused on football. With all due respect, despite national football teams consistently delivering disappointing results in international competitions, bodybuilders like Armando Buttigieg, Harold Bonsfield, myself, and others who achieved prestigious honours in international competitions remained relatively unknown.

The Cottonera Barbell Club, the oldest gym on the island, has nurtured numerous accomplished bodybuilders. Its primary objective has never been profit-driven but rather aimed at raising awareness about the importance of physical culture in the country. Consequently, financial struggles have always been a challenge. In the past, we willingly participated in balancing acts to raise funds to keep the club operational.

Despite the relative lack of sophisticated equipment, the Cottonera Barbell Club fosters a unique sense of community. Seasoned bodybuilders and advocates of physical culture are always willing to offer guidance and support to newcomers. In my retirement, I am pleased to see that the legacy of the Cottonera Barbell Club has been upheld. However, it's disheartening to witness the unfortunate trend bodybuilding worldwide in of using anabolic steroids and other substances creeping into the sport. Some individuals lack the patience to train and wait for results, seeking quick fixes, and tarnishing the reputation of this noble sport in the process.

4. You've been instrumental in pioneering sports for individuals with disabilities. How has the landscape of disability sports changed over the years, and what drives your enduring commitment to this cause?

In my time, persons with disabilities were often marginalized and overlooked, as if they were to be disregarded and forgotten. You can imagine what the idea of promoting sports for persons with disability had to face. Fortunately, today, sports for individuals with disabilities are rightfully recognized as part of their entitlement.

In addition to cultural barriers, family members, and sometimes the individuals themselves, objected to participating in sports due to fears of injury. Drawing from my experiences and training at Loughborough, where I explored various approaches to physical activity, I made a decision to offer training sessions every Saturday afternoon at the Physically Disabled Rehabilitation Centre. My goal was to challenge prevailing attitudes and assist them in building self-esteem and realizing their full potential, a departure from the predominant practice of solely providing occupational therapy.

Consequently, I tailored different sports to accommodate their diverse abilities. I organized circuit training sessions to improve endurance and held competitions at the Centre to prepare them for international events. This initiative also facilitated their inclusion in national events, a concept unheard of at the time. We participated in several international competitions and even secured medals, a groundbreaking achievement for Maltese contingents at the time. Despite our successes, these accomplishments were often overlooked by the media.

5. You've received various honours, including the Sportsman of the Year and the President's Award for Volunteering. Looking back, how do these accolades resonate with you, and what do they represent in terms of your contributions to sports, education, and community service?

While it's certainly gratifying to receive awards for one's efforts, these honours inevitably find their place in cabinets. In all honesty, the most meaningful rewards for me are the encounters with former students, athletes, colleagues, and individuals I've trained, who express that I've made a positive difference in their lives. Knowing that I've contributed to making the world a bit better fills me with immense satisfaction.

Reflecting on my journey, achieving what I did wasn't without its challenges. I encountered numerous obstacles, with the greatest being the closed mindset of others. Yet, if you truly believe in something, you must roll up your sleeves and pursue it relentlessly. I'm grateful that I had the perseverance to do just that.