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54 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 DECEMBER 2013 David Coleman: Former BBC sports broadcaster dies at 87 David Coleman, the much-loved broadcaster whose distinctive voice was synonymous with so many of the iconic sporting moments of the second half of the 20th century, has died at the age of 87. HE first appeared on air for the BBC in 1954, covering 11 Olympic Games from Rome in 1960 to Sydney 2000 and six football World Cups. Coleman presented some of the BBC's leading sporting programmes, including Grandstand and Sportsnight, and was the host of Question of Sport for 18 years. He was awarded an OBE in 1992 and retired from the BBC in 2000. Later that year he became the first broadcaster to receive an Olympic Order medal, in recognition of his contribution to the Olympic movement. A statement from his family said: "We regret to announce the death of David Coleman OBE, after a short illness. He died peacefully with his family at his bedside." The BBC's director general Tony Hall led the corporation's tributes. "David Coleman was one of this country's greatest and most respected broadcasters," he said. "Generations grew up listening to his distinctive and knowledgeable commentary. Whether presenting, commentating or offering analysis, he set the standard for all today's sports broadcasters. "Our thoughts are with his family and many friends." Director of sport Barbara Slater added: "David Coleman was a giant in the sports broadcasting world, an iconic and hugely respected figure. In a BBC career that spanned over 40 years he set the standard that so many others have tried to emulate. "His was one of broadcasting's most authoritative and identifiable voices that graced so many pinnacle sporting moments. From his famous football and athletic commentaries to his presentation of events and programmes such as the Olympics, the World Cup, Question of Sport and Grandstand, he was quite simply the master of his craft. "David had many friends at BBC FORMULA 1 Sport and was admired by audiences in their millions. We send sincere condolences to his family." A former keen amateur runner, Coleman began work as a reporter on the Stockport Express and wrote for an army newspaper during his national service. When injuries ruled him out of trials for the 1952 British Olympic team he wrote to a BBC editor to suggest that he covered athletics in the Saturday evening sports programme. He began presenting Grandstand in 1958 and worked on the magazine programme for 10 years before being replaced by Frank Bough. Coleman fronted the midweek Sportsnight show and began to cohost the BBC Sports Review of the Year in 1961, a role he only ended in 1983. In 1971 he became the BBC's senior football commentator, covering five FA Cup finals before handing over to John Motson in 1979. Di Montezemolo calls F1 teams for summit FERRARI President Luca di Montezemolo has called for a Formula 1 team summit at Maranello next month, amid fears over the future of the sport. With fans questioning the new regulation that will see drivers awarded double points at the season finale, team bosses expressing concerns over rising costs and certain paddock figures pushing for customer cars, Montezemolo believes that leading members of all 11 outfits should meet under one roof to collectively air their thoughts. A meeting is planned at the brand's factory in the second half of January, shortly before pre-season testing begins. "I have the intention to invite the teams to Maranello, not to discuss a single point that maybe can give an advantage to one team or another, but to talk about the overall approach to Formula 1," said di Montezemolo. "I think people do not have enough opportunities outside of the tough race weekends – where you have to prepare the car for the races, the sponsors, the television, the public – to have one day peaceful talking to look ahead." Di Montezemolo added that he wants to meeting to be carried out in a "very constructive" and "very open" way, ensuring that no one team gains a competitive advantage over its rivals through any potential proposals. YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt Luca di Montezemolo Christmas in Village Square 20-25th December 2013