The Malta Sports Journalists Association pays tribute to the memory of Mario Meli, as his death was announced in the past few hours, at the age of 84. He was one of the founding members of the Sports Writers Association in 1970 where he served as Assistant Secretary and later as Treasurer for many years.

Born in 1940, while a student at Stella Maris College he began practicing athletics where he became local champion in the 800 metres and 1500 metres. In 1962 he joined Rediffusion as a correspondent and later with Radju Malta and from 1975 with Television Malta where he retired in 2015. As a journalist and commentator he attended many international events abroad including three editions of the Mediterranean Games and two editions of the Games for Small States of Europe. He was editor of the weekly newspaper Panorama Sports and the annual Arena Sportiva.

His commitment to sport goes beyond reporting, as he held several important roles in local sports associations. In fact, he was the President of the Games for All Association, Malta Cycling Federation, Malta Billiards & Snooker Association and the Malta Football Masters Association. For many years he was a member of the Executive of the Maltese Olympic Committee. For some years he was also a football referee.

In 2007 he was inducted into the Malta Sports Journalists Association’s Hall of Fame and in 2022 into the Maltese Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame.

The Executive Committee of the Sports Journalists Association sends its condolences to the entire family.