2023 Games of the Small States of Europe
[6] In February 2017, Julian Pace Bonello, the president of the Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC), announced that Malta would bid for the 2023 Games.[8] In February 2022, the MOC officially launched the Games with Bonello saying he hoped the event would "make the country proud" and "serve as a catalyst to inspire young athletes".[2] Drawing inspiration from submissions, the logo was then designed by Concept Stadium and unveiled in June 2022 by Clifton Grima, the Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation.[11][12] The logo was said to "[merge] the famous Olympic rings with the sea, fish and a Maltese icon recognized by many – the eye symbol".[12] The eye symbol is present in several different parts of Maltese culture, such as charms against the evil eye or as a mark of spiritual identity on the luzzu (a traditional Maltese fishing boat),[13] or on 'Il-Gardjola' (a distinctive watchtower in Senglea) representing guardianship and observance.