Games of the Small States of Europe return this summer

This year’s GSSE will be taking place in Valletta, Malta, on 29 May - 3 June 2023. 

A little bit of background: The games are a biennial multi-sport event, similar to the Olympics, but targeted to Europe’s small countries. All nine members have a population of less than one million people (Cyprus being the only exception; its participation being accorded based on the fact that its population was below the threshold in 1984).

Read more about the history of the GSSE here.

But why are these games interesting for Luxembourg? For one, it is tough to qualify for international sporting events when the talent pool is so limited due to population size. Reaching the podium is even more of a long shot. And that's where the GSSE comes in. It gives small states an opportunity to prove themselves in a somewhat more levelled competition.

What’s more, the host country gets a chance to promote itself and its athletes on an international level as media and press coverage become quite extensive.

Luxembourg last hosted the GSSE in 2013. Since the beginning of the games, Luxembourg has won 395 gold, 398 silver and 370 bronze medals. 
And in 2029, the Grand Duchy is set to host the games again!
We’ve compiled a (short) list of some of the most known Luxembourgish athletes who you should have heard of at least once by the start of the Games. They are likely to represent the country in May but this year’s national team won’t be officially announced until Wednesday, 17 May.

© Team Lëtzebuerg

1. Bob Bertemes
Born in 1993, Bob Bertemes competes in shot put. He has trained at the C.A. Belvaux & Mtg Mannheim. He participated in the Tokyo Olympics.

2. Sarah de Nutte
Born in 1993, Sarah de Nutte competes in table tennis. Her home clubs are the French Club Tennis de Table Saint-Quentinois and the Luxembourgish DT Dudelange. She competed in Tokyo too.

3. Charles Grethen
Born in 1992, Charles Grethen is a middle distance runner over 1500m. He trains at the CSL Athletics Luxembourg. He has competed in many events, including the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.

4. Julien Henx
Born in 1995, Julien Henx is the youngest athlete on our list. He’s a swimmer, competing in 50m and 100m freestyle. His home club is the CDNu and his biggest competitions were the World Championships in 2015 to 2017.
You can have a look at the other national athletes on the TeamLëtzebuerg website. 

Check out the official Malta2023 and the EOC website for more information on the GSSE.

For all sports enthusiasts out there, make sure to tune into our sports show with Scott Browne and Nathan Sneyd on Sun - 7pm, Mo - 10am, We - 7pm, Thu - 10am to get the latest updates on the “tiny Olympics”.