Illum saret l-inawgurazzjoni uffiċjali tal-Proġett tal-ERDF 339 li huwa proġett li jwassal biex tinħoloq aktar enerġija effiċjenti fil-Kumpless tal-Pixxina Nazzjonali tal-Qroqq.  

Id-dettalji dwar dan il-proġett ingħataw mill-project leader Dermot Galea li qal li dan il-proġett sar b’investiment totali ta’ €1,156,008, bl-għan ikun li jitħares l-ambjent billi tintuża enerġija alternattiva. Dan qed jgħin biex il-Pixxina, fiż-żmien li ġej, ma tibqax tagħmel telf u tkun ta’ piż fuq il-Gvern u SportMalta.  Huwa elenka l-erba’ fażijiet tal-proġett li kienu:

1. L-installazzjoni ta’ heat pumps għall-pixxini,
2. L-installazzjoni ta’ Variable Refrigerant Flow airconditioning system għall-West Stand, fejn jinsabu l-uffiċini.
3. L-installazzjoni ta’ solar collectors li ser ikunu użati biex jissaħħan l-ilma tax-showers fil-Kumpless.
4. L-installazzjoni ta’ pool covers għaż-żewġ pixxini

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari għar-Riċerka, l-Innovazzjoni, iż-Żgħażagħ u l-Isport Chris Agius beda billi feraħ lit-tim tal-waterpolo li kien għadu kif rebaħ il-logħba kontra t-Turkija waqt il-Kampjonati Ewropej tal-Waterpolo u semma kif il-Gvern diġà qed jagħti sostenn kbir lill-isport tal-waterpolo u lill-isport akkwatiku ieħor anke bil-bini ta’ pixxina f’Għawdex u bil-pitch tal-waterpolo f’Birżebbuġa.  Huwa semma kif il-politika m’għandha qatt tkun imħallta mal-isport u kollha għandna niġbdu ħabel wieħed għal dan il-għan.

Chris Agius semma kif waslet ukoll fil-fażi ta’ aġġudikazzjoni l-għażla tal-perit li ser ikun qiegħed jagħmel il-pjanti tal-pixxinaindoor fil-Kottonera.  Minbarra dan, aċċenna għall-miżuri tal-budget relatati mal-isport li qed ikomplu jaġevolaw lill-komunità sportiva.  

Huwa kompla jgħid li din hija ħolqa oħra mill-katina ta’ wegħdi elettorali li qed jitwettqu fejn qed jiġi ġġenerat il-kumpless tal-pixxina tal-Qroqq.  Fil-leġiżlazzjoni li għaddiet, kien iktar importanti li jinbnew faċilitajiet ġodda li mhux dejjem kienu sostenibbli u l-faċilitajiet eżistenti tħallew fi stat dilapidat.

Waqt din l-inawgurazzjoni, is-Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Presidenza UE 2017 u għall-Fondi Ewropej Ian Borg spjega li dan il-proġett ikkwalifika taħt il-Fond Ewropew għall-Iżvilupp Reġjonali u ser ikun ibbenefika minn madwar €400,000.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari Ian Borg ħabbar ukoll li għall-ewwel darba ser ikun hemm madwar €5M Fondi Ewropej li ser ikunu allokati għall-iżvilupp ta’ infrastruttura sportiva f’żoni hekk meqjusa bħala żvantaġġjati.  Dawn il-fondi għandhom l-għan li jikkumbattu problemi ta’ esklużjoni soċjali kif ukoll ikomplu jtaffu l-problemi relatati mal-obesità, spejga Dr. Borg.

Dr. Borg temm jgħid li bl-istess mod, permezz tal-investiment ġewwa l-Pixxina Nazzjonali, aktar klijenti ser ikunu qed jirċievu servizzi ta’ kwalità aħjar – anki b’rati sussidjati lil dawk kollha li huma membri – hekk kif il-parteċipazzjoni fl-isports mistennija li tkompli tiżdied.

Iċ-Chairman ta’ SportMalta, Dr. Luciano Busuttil tkellem dwar ir-relevanza ta’ fondi Ewropej. Huwa ħabbar li SportMalta fetħet dipartiment relatat max-xogħol tal-Unjoni Ewropea sabiex l-entità tkun iżjed relevanti f’dan il-qasam.

Il-kap Eżekuttiv ta’ SportMalta Mark Cutajar qal li fl-2016, l-entità ser tkun qed iżżomm ir-ritmu tas-sena li għaddiet.  Huwa ħabbar li s’issa diġà ġew konklużi numru ta’ proġetti filwaqt li l-proġetti l-kbar diġà jinsabu f’fażi ta’ aġġudikazzjoni. 

Huwa semma li fit-23 ta’ April ser issir konferenza nazzjonali għall-għaqdiet sportivi kollha u NGOs u ħabbar li f’Novembru, SportMalta ser tkun qed tospita aktar minn 300 delegat minn universitajiet differenti għall-Assemblea Ġenerali tal-ENAS.

SportMalta ppreżentat l-aħħar sett ta’ għajnuniet finanzjarji lill-assoċjazzjonijiet u atleti individwali biex b’kollox, matul is-sena 2015, tat madwar miljun ewro f’assistenza finanzjarja. Fl-aħħar ċerimonja kien preżentat total ta’ ’l fuq minn €300,000, li kien jinkludi għajnuna għall-10 proġetti relatati ma turiżmu sportiv. 

B’kollox kienu 214 atleta u assoċjazzjoni li bbenefikaw minn assistenza finanzjarja matul is-sena li għadha kemm spiċċat. Dawn kienu maqsumin f’erba’ ċerimonji, bl-aħħar waħda tkun dik tal-bieraħ filgħaxija. SportMalta torganizza erba’ ċerimonji sabiex l-assoċjazzjonijiet sportivi u l-atleti ma jkollhomx jistennew żmien twil għall-assistenza finanzjarja. Dawn huwa parti mir-riforma ta’ SportMalta għall-benefiċċju tal-assoċjazzjonijiet u federazzjonijiet, biex b’hekk tagħtihom aktar ċertezza biex jippjanaw finazjarjament.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari għar-Riċerka, Innovazzjoni, Żgħażagħ u Sport Chris Agius aċċenna għall-fatt li fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin ser ikun qiegħed jitnieda l-abbozz tar-riforma tal-kummerċjalizzazzjoni tal-faċilitajiet sportivi, sabiex l-assoċjazzjonijet ma jibqgħux jiddependu biss fuq SportMalta, imma jibdew jkunu awto-suffiċjenti. Huwa semma’ wkoll li fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin se titnieda għall-konsultazzjoni din ir-riforma, u ħeġġeġ lill-pubbliku sabiex jibgħat ir-rimarki tiegħu.

Mark Cutajar, l-Aġent Kap Eżekuttiv ta’ SportMalta, semma’ li x-xewqa tas-Segretarjat Parlamentari u ta’ SportMalta hija li s-sena 2017, is-sena tal-Presidenza tal-Unjoni Ewropeja, tkun is-sena tal-isport għal pajjiżna. Huwa ħeġġeġ lill-assoċjazzjonijiet preżenti biex jorganizzaw attivitajiet internazzjonali f’pajjiżna tul dik is-sena. Cutajar fakkar li, SportMalta, flimkien mal-Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sport, se tkun qiegħda għal darb’oħra torganizza serata waħda ta’ għoti ta’ unuri li ser issir nhar it-13 ta’ Frar, u ħeġġeġ lill-assoċjazzjonijiet sportivi sabiex jinnominaw l-aħjar atleti tagħhom. Cutajar semma li fiż-żmien li ġej se jibda x-xogħol biex ikunu preparati serje ta’ emendi sabiex il-Liġi tal-Isport tkun konforma mal-kuntest preżenti. Semma’ wkoll li l-proġetti li tħabbru f’Novembru diġà bdew jitlestew u li fil-11 ta’ Jannar ser ikun aġġudikat it-tender biex jiġu identifikati il-periti għad-disinn tal-estensjoni tal-Kottonera u tal-Youth Village f’Santa Venera.

 Iċ-Ċermen ta’ SportMalta, Luciano Busuttil, saħaq fuq l-importanza li SportMalta u l-assoċjazzjonijiet jiġbdu ħabel wieħed għall-ġid tal-isport f’pajjiżna. Huwa aċċenna għall-bosta proġetti li imbarkat fuqhom SportMalta, bl-għan li aktar assoċjazzjonijiet jutilizzawhom.

Two Volleyball tournaments were organised for Form 5 boys and girls on Wednesday 9^th December and Friday 11^th December respectively.

In the first tournament around 60 boys from the Verdala International School, St Theresa College St. Venera Secondary, San Gorg Preca College Hamrun Secondary, Stella Maris College Gzira and St Thomas More College Hamrun Secondary, participated in a round robin format for a total of ten games on a best out of three sets.

Following this tournament it was the girls’ turn two days later. 40 girls from St Monica School Birkirkara, St Catherine School Pembroke and St Joseph School Blata l-Bajda took part in six games on the same format as in the previous day.

The two tournaments were won by the Verdala International School and St Monica respectively after managing to have the better in interesting and intense games in which the players produced a good level of play.

These two tournaments will be followed by two festivals for Form 3 & 4 boys and girls in March 2016 and another festival for Form 1 students in April.

The new scholastic year 2015-16 marks the 15^th consecutive year Kellogg’s has been providing its support to the programme ‘On The Move’ Skolasport  making it one of the longest sponsorship relationships in Malta’s sports sector. As evident by its numerous global sports sponsorships, Kellogg’s is a firm believer in encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from a young age. For the past fifteen years, over 32,000 participants received training from Skolasport and have been acquainted with the concept that a healthy lifestyle is best achieved through a balanced diet and active sports participation.

A Kellogg’s spokesperson in Malta said: “This is a milestone year and Kellogg’s is proud to have been supporting On The Move Skolasport for all these years. Kellogg’s believes in its valuable service of developing sport talents among the young Maltese generation. Our sponsorship further accentuates our commitment towards promoting a healthy lifestyle  among the Maltese community.”

Robert Portelli, Head of Programmes, said: “Long standing partnerships are hugely important to government sports programmes, such as On The Move Skolasport. We are  honoured to have enjoyed such a long-term relationship with a globally respected brand like Kellogg’s. Following the success of the Horse Racing and Triathlon academies, this year we will be launching 4 new academies; Gymnastics, Basketball, Volleyball and Handball.  Held in conjunction with the respective National Association,  OnTheMove Skolasport participants can develop their talents even further ensuring that all children achieve their potential whilst supporting our vision of upgrading the quality of our programmes even further.”

Run by SportMalta , On The Move Skolasport programme covers the development of movement and physical exercise. Its main concern is to ensure that all children learn basic movement skills, enjoy being active, develop knowledge and training. On the other hand The On The Move Skolasport Adult Programme is designed to encourage parents and adults to take up a physical activity at least once a week. The programme for both children and adults is flexible enough to embrace all abilities from the beginner to a trained athlete. This year OnTheMove Skolasport is offering over 400 weekly sessions in more venues, on more days and a wider range of activities.  Apart from this, the programme has lowered the age such that toddlers as young as one year old can join the parent and child classes.  These classes are intended to preserve the instinctive abilities from pre-birth stage since toddlers are not afraid of water, and such skills such as not letting water get in through the nose and closing mouth when underwater are instinctive. Moreover the lessons strengthen the bond between the child and the parent but more importantly foster an active lifestyle in parents and toddlers from a very young age which is proven to influence children to have a more active lifestyle when they are older thus reducing the risk of obesity.

At the other end of the age spectrum, On the move Skolasport has been enriched with the 60+ programme with more Pilates, yoga, tai chi, aqua fitness, ballroom and line-dancing sessions across the island. This, together with other established initiatives such as the Walking & Jogging Club and free entrance for swimming at the National Pool, offer an excellent opportunity for the elderly to remain active and maintain fitness.

On The Move Skolasport offers various programme modules in different venues, including the Sports Complexes found in Cottonera, Marsa, Kirkop and Tal-Qroqq. Government colleges have also been roped in to reach a wider audience. These include Sta. Margerita Secondary School in Cospicua, St. Ignatius Secondary School in Tal-Handaq, St. Clare Secondary School in Pembroke and Maria Regina Secondary School in Mosta.

This year On the Move Skolasport has not only reached its target but exceeded the amount reaching an overwhelming 5400 participants. For this reason all classes are closed at the moment but will soon be opening again with the upcoming sport programmes. For further queries one can contact the Programmes Section at SportMalta Office on tel. 22036000 or via e-mail: programmes@sportmalta.org.mt or visit the SportMalta website: www.sportmalta.org.mt.

Bhal kull sena l-Ghaqda Nazzjonali tal-Atletika, il-Malta Amateur Athletics Association, flimkien mal-Sport Promotion Unit organizzat din il-kompetizzjoni mmirata ghat-tfal ta bejn l-10 snin u 14 il-sena li jattendu skejjel tal-istat, dawk privati u dawk tal-knisja. L-Erbgha 2 ta’ Dicembru sebhet gurnata kwazi sajfija u ftit anqas minn 400 tifel u tifla minn 22 skola attendew ghal sensiela ta’ girjiet, tlieta ghas-subien u daqstant iehor ghal-bniet.

Il-kategoriji kienu ghal-Primarji, ghall-ewwel sentejn Sekondarja u dawk tas-Sekondarja kbar. F’entuzjazmu u inkoraggiment kbir l-iskejjel li spikkaw l-aktar ghall-unuri kienu l-Kullegg De La Salle tal-Cottonera fil-qasam tas-Subien, fejn it-timijiet ta’ tmienja l-wiehed spiccaw l-ewwel f’kull kategorija. Intant l-Iskola Nazzjonali tal-Isport, li kif mistenni minn kulhadd minhabba n-natura tal-kurrikulu ta’ din l-istituzzjoni, kienet fuq quddiem fil-qasam femminil, fejn l-istudenti taghha – li jattendu sekondarja biss – spiccaw rebhu z-zewg kategoriji f’dan is-settur. Is-subien taghhom kellhom jikkontentaw bit-tieni post fiz-zewg kompetizzjonijiet ghalihom f’dik li hija timijet. Ibbazata fuq sistema tal-anqas penalty points migbura, t-tim tal-bniet tal-Iskola Nazzjonali irnexxhielhom jiksbu l-ahjar ammont tal-gurnata, meta l-ewwel 4 taghhom fil-qasam tal-kbar spiccaw fl-ewwel tlett postijiet, bir-raba’ wahda ttemm fis-6 post. Skont i-regoli tal-kompetizzjoni, ghalkemm tim jista jdahhal 8 atleti, huma biss l-ewwel 4 li jinghataw il-punti. Fil-kategorija tal Primarji, wara De La Salle spiccaw il-Kullegg ta’ St Edward quddiem San Anton. Ghall-bniet kienet l-iskola ta’ San Anton li ttriumfat fuq St Martin u dik ta’ St Monica Birkirkara.

Ghas-Sekondarji ghaz-zghar, wara De La Salle u l-Iskola Nazzjonali spiccaw St Edward filwaqt li fil-qasam femminil, fit-tieni post dahlet l-iskola tas-Sacred Heart segwita minn St Monica Birkirkara. Fil-kbar, it-tielet posizzjoni subien rebhuha il-Kullegg Savio u fit-tieni post bniet rajna tirbah l-iskola San Anton u warajha, it-tielet, kien hemm l-iskola tas-Sacred Heart.

Fil-qasam individwali, fejn l-Assoccjazzjoni ippremjat b’tazzi l-ewwel tlett postijiet ghal-kull kategorija, spiccaw, ghal-Primarji, Michael Tabone (St Edwards) l-ewwel, Isaac Bonnici u Matthew Galea Soler (De La Salle) it-2 u it-3. Mill-bniet, fl-ewwel u t-tielet post spiccaw Maya Galea u Sabrina Pace, it-tnejn minn St Martin, filwaqt li f’nofshom kien hem Sophie Thake ta’ San Anton. Fil-kategorija tan-nofs kellna lill-Daniel Caruana u Jacob Darmanin ta’ De La Salle u f’nofshom Thomas Woods tal-Iskola Nazzjonali. F’dik tal-bniet rebhet Sarah Chouhal segwita minn Ylenia Bonett mill-istess Skola Nazzjonali. It-tielet spiccat Emma Ciantar Piccinino tal-iskola St Monica tal-Gzira. Ghal-kbar, l-istess kif rifless fil-kompetizzjoni tat-timijiet, kien hemm clean sweep mis-subien tal-Kullegg De La Salle. Jordan Kelly, Karl Attard u Leon Zammit ghamlu il-podium taghhom kif ghamlu il-bniet tal-Iskola Nazzjonali tal-Isport Marija Farrugia, Celeste Grech u Nicole Sciberras, f’din l-ordni, mill-bniet.

L-Assoccjazzjoni Maltija tal-Atletika torbot is-success ta’ dan l-avveniment max-xoghol sfiq u habrieki li jwettqu numru sabih ta’ skejjel u kulleggi li ghandhom ghal qalbhom l-isport u s-sahha fizika tal-istudenti taghhom, izda tikkonoxxi u ssellem fost kollox il-hegga tal-awtoritajiet edukkativi tal-istat, specjalment id-Dipartiment tal-Edukazzjoni Fizika fi hdan il-Ministeru ghall-Edukazzjoni u xejn anqas lid-dirigenti tal-Assocjazzjoni Sportiva tal-Iskejjel Privati u tal-Knisja, li minghajr l-ghajnunha taghhom ma kienx ikun possibbli tittella din l-attivita atletika tant mahbuba mill-istudenti.

Find out about more events by the SPU

Another edition of the Newsletter ‘SportMalta’ is now online.

Read here

SportMalta together with MEUSAC addressed an information meeting to Federations and Associations regarding the Erasmus + programme.

Information on how to apply for EU Funds to organize events during the European Week of Sports and other funds was provided during this meeting. 

The meeting was addressed by Hon. Chris Agius ,Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sports, Mr. Mark Cutajar, CEO of Sport Malta together with high officials from both Sport Malta and MEUSAC.

History through Sport is an activity launched this year by the Sport Promotion Unit where it combines the academic subject of History and physical activity for Form 2 students in the historical background of Mdina.

The Sport Promotion Unit trekking programme aims are:

To promote trekking activities as a means of education on the Maltese and cultural endowment and promote environmental responsibility.

To promote confidence and enjoyment among Maltese students.

To promote a healthy life style and to increase physical activity among young citizens.

To develop awareness of safe practices as regards to outdoor activities.

To develop personal and social skills in the students’ development.

To develop a sense of leadership and build long-lasting relationships.

To establish and to preserve the right to access to the open countryside and coastal zones.

During such activities students have lots of fun learning new things and exploring new horizons.

The Outdoor programme offered to year 6 students consists of trekking, tent pitching, orienteering and learning some knots. For most of the students it will be their first experience in such activities.

The first phase of the inter schools basketball tournament for senior schools boys & girls was organized today at Ta’ Qali.

15 schools from different colleges applied for today’s qualifier event which the first two teams will represent state schools in the Basketball Finals to be held in May.

All schools were well prepared by their teachers and a high level of fair play was shown by students. This tournament was organized by the Sport Promotion Unit of Sportmalta.