Gozo's glory to compete under island flag

By junior reporter Rubi Croft

For Island Games newcomers Gozo, Guernsey 2023 marks a significant milestone in the island’s history as athletes compete for the first time in an international competition under their own flag. 
We spoke to Gozitan shooter Marlon Attard about what this means to him: “I live in Gozo but when I go abroad, I compete under the Maltese flag, so it’s quite an honour to be representing my own island, so I’m happy.” 

Marlon Attard was the first Gozitan to represent Malta at the Commonwealth Game after he was selected by the Maltese Olympic Committee to represent the country in skeet shooting at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. He has also competed in the internationally acclaimed ISSF Junior World Cup. But despite being no stranger to a strong international field, neither competition allowed for him to compete for his homeland. 

Malta, albeit more than 1200 miles away in the Med, is similar to Guernsey in many ways, sharing an almost identical geographical size, beautiful beaches and a reputation for delicious fresh seafood. Marlon added that the shooting range being “right besides the beach is exactly like being in Gozo”, making him feel right at home and more at ease amidst familiar surroundings. 

Gozo's competitors are aiming for top results and their determination and pride in their island are driving their ambitions to make a name for themselves at their first Island Games.