During the inauguration marking the official opening of the third and final phase of the Marsa Sports Complex, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that this complex confirms the Government’s ongoing investment in sport, athletes, and their future.
The Marsa Sports Complex is made up of three distinct phases, including a sports complex dedicated to gymnastics and other sports, the regeneration project of the historic 1903 building, and this final phase, which consists of a centre dedicated to Weightlifting, Squash, Netball and fitness. Altogether, the investment across these three phases exceeds €16 million.
The complex comprises three floors of sports and ancillary facilities and offers top-level sporting infrastructure in line with modern standards. In this final phase, investment was completed in new courts for Squash and Netball, a dedicated Weightlifting centre, as well as a high-level fitness centre, delivered through a public-private partnership.
Prime Minister Robert Abela noted that through these facilities, sporting communities can now enjoy a modern, professional and accessible environment that enhances training, competition and athlete development at every stage of their careers.
He stated that such investment in sport will continue to place Malta on the global map of international competitions. Next year, Malta will host the Youth Commonwealth Games, with participation from 74 different countries. An event of this scale has been brought to Malta thanks to these investments, which will continue to raise sporting standards in the country and position Malta on the world sporting stage. “This will be the largest sporting event ever,” the Prime Minister emphasised, noting that the newly inaugurated facilities will be used during these Games.
Dr Abela remarked that investment in sport forms part of a broader vision through which the Government continues to position sport as a key pillar of society by promoting better health, discipline, teamwork and a strong sense of community. He added that through SportMalta, the Government is working strategically to create infrastructure that meets both present and future needs.
During his address, Prime Minister Abela also referred to the investment made in the Sports and Aquatic Pavilion in Rabat, Gozo, among other investments made possible by a strong economy. These developments have led to the launch of Vision Malta 2050, aimed at taking the country to the next level. In Marsa, he also outlined Government plans to regenerate Marsa and the Grand Harbour area through further high-quality investment that will drive progress forward.
In his message, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, spoke about years of work in the important sports sector in Malta. He said that in recent years there has been, and will continue to be, significant investment through which the country is making a qualitative leap in the sector. This work includes not only the implementation of infrastructural projects, but also support provided to associations, organisations and sports clubs, as well as direct financial assistance to athletes and sports practitioners. “New infrastructure and improved facilities are providing better opportunities for athletes to prepare for competitive sport and for their sporting development. This work is increasingly turning our country into a hub for hosting international-calibre sporting events, while also offering top-class facilities to athletes, sports practitioners and the wider public,” said Minister Grima.
SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar highlighted how SportMalta transformed the Marsa sports facilities, which were previously in poor condition, into high-level sports complexes that serve associations and clubs, host international events, and promote sport and physical activity within the wider community.
During the ceremony, a discussion was also held between three athletes representing different disciplines, during which they shared their experiences on the importance of modern facilities, competition preparation, and the role of sport in young people’s lives. The discussion featured athletes from Squash, Netball and Weightlifting, who emphasised how these investments are providing new opportunities for Maltese athletes to compete successfully at international level.
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