2003 Games of the Small States of Europe  The 2003 Games of the Small States of Europe, or the Xth Games of the Small States of Europe, were held in Valletta, Malta from June 2 to June 7, 2003. Valletta previously hosted the games in 1993. Malta was not due to host the Games again until 2009, but a strong bid helped them to gain the games six years early. Administration of the games was done jointly by the Maltese Ministry of Education and the Malta Olympic Committee. The games were declared open by President Guido de Marco on June 2. The 2003 edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe was attended by all of the eligible nations. Eligible nations are European states with fewer than 1 million citizens. 820 total athletes from the eight eligible nations competed, the highest ever; 803 attended the 1993 Games in Malta and the 2005 Games in Andorra had 793 participants. Host nation Malta had 156 athletes, the most of any nation. Cyprus had 143 participants of their own. The Icelandic delegation was 133 participants. Luxembourg also had over 100 representatives with 113. Monaco and San Marino came with 89 and 78 athletes, respectively. Andorra brought 66 participants, less than half of the total they would bring to the 2005 games. Liechtenstein had the smallest delegation, bringing only 42 athletes. Competitions in the 2003 Games were held in ten disciplines. "Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of medal events contested in each sport." The theme song of the 2003 Games of the Small States was called “Reaching Higher” and continued in with the traditional themes of such music for international competitions. “Reaching Higher” was performed at the opening ceremonies by Ira Losco, a Maltese singer who had gained prominence in the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 representing Malta. The mascot of the 2003 Games was Elmo, a cartoon-illustrated Pikeman. The official descriptions of Elmo state that he was chosen as mascot because Pikemen, as well as athletes, both need “a combination of physical preparation and a strong will to achieve success.” The official emblem for the 2003 Games is based around eight points. These eight points have two meanings: they resemble the Maltese Cross, a traditional symbol of Malta, and represent the eight competing members of the Games of the Small States of Europe. The logos colours incorporate the colours of the flags of participant nations. Most of the events were concentrated in and around Valletta, but very few took place in Valletta proper.