Sportmalta Welcomes FIBA Europe President to Cottonera Sports Complex

Malta’s growing standing within international sporting circles was again on display today as Jorge Garbajosa, President of FIBA Europe, visited the Cottonera Sports Complex, the latest stop in a continued pattern of engagement between SportMalta and the governing bodies that shape sport across the continent. The visit brought one of European basketball’s most senior administrators face to face with a facility that has become central to SportMalta’s community sport ambitions.

A Familiar Face in European Basketball

Mr Garbajosa was no stranger to the upper echelons of the sport. Elected President of FIBA Europe in May 2023, he arrived in the role having already served as President of the Spanish Basketball Federation between 2016 and 2023. He had sat on the FIBA Europe Executive Committee since 2019, held a coopted seat on the FIBA Central Board, chaired the FIBA Competitions Commission, and was set to serve as FIBA Vice President for the 2023–2027 term.

As a player, the Spaniard reached the very top of the international game, lifting the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2006 and the FIBA EuroBasket title in 2009, adding an Olympic silver medal in 2008 and three further EuroBasket podium finishes to a career that also took in spells with leading European clubs and a stint in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors.

What Did the Visit Cover?

Mr Garbajosa was taken on a tour of the Cottonera Sports Complex’s sporting infrastructure and briefed on the range of activities and programmes based there. SportMalta representatives walked him through projects already completed at the site as well as those still taking shape, giving the visiting official a clear sense of how the complex had evolved and where future investment was expected to be directed.

The briefing placed particular emphasis on the complex’s role as a starting point for a number of SportMalta initiatives that had since been extended to other localities, underlining the facility’s function as something of a proving ground within the organisation’s wider network.

Mr Garbajosa also had the chance to witness the Let’s Move Malta programme in action during his visit, observing first-hand the participation the initiative had generated at the Cottonera Sports Complex as part of its ongoing rollout. He was impressed by the concept behind the programme, suggesting that it’s the kind of initiative that should be implemented in other countries across Europe.

A Two-Way Exchange

For SportMalta, hosting a figure of Mr Garbajosa’s standing offered a chance to present its work to someone with a continent-wide vantage point on sports administration and facility development. The visit was framed less as a courtesy call than as part of an ongoing dialogue between local and international sporting structures, one that officials suggested would continue beyond today’s tour.

During the visit, SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar discussed with Mr Garbajosa how sport had grown into an important sector across the island, pointing to the extent to which Malta’s facilities and sporting programmes had improved in recent years for use by associations and the general public alike.

Also present for the visit were Larkin Bonnici, Policy Consultant within the Ministry, and Paul Sultana, President of the Malta Basketball Association. Among the topics discussed was the prospect of future collaboration between the parties, including efforts to attract international events to Malta, the possibility of hosting 3×3 basketball competitions, and the exchange of education projects between local and European basketball structures.

Basketball formed part of the broader mix of sports supported through SportMalta’s facilities and programming, and the organisation had continued working with national and local bodies to widen participation across a range of disciplines. A visit from the President of FIBA Europe was regarded as a further opportunity to strengthen those relationships and to weigh how local facilities might continue to develop in step with practice elsewhere in Europe.

Looking Ahead

Visits of this kind reflected SportMalta’s continued engagement with international federations and its efforts to align local infrastructure and programming with wider European standards. As work at the Cottonera Sports Complex and elsewhere continued, exchanges with figures such as Mr Garbajosa offered a useful external perspective on the organisation’s direction and its place within the broader European sporting landscape.

Ahead of the launch of the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme, coaches taking part in the initiative attended a seminar yesterday titled “Coach, You Matter!”, organised in collaboration with the Malta Sport Coaches Association. The session, held under the theme Unify – Empower – Elevate, brought together coaches for an afternoon of reflection, practical guidance and shared planning ahead of the programme’s start.

The seminar opened with remarks from SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar, Director Corporate Services Rose Marie Mercieca, and MSCA Founding Board Member Ruben Baldacchino, each reinforcing a shared message: coming together to empower coaches and elevate the qualities they bring to their work.

Coach, You Matter!

The seminar’s central presentation, delivered by Dr Renzo Kerr-Cumbo, invited coaches to reflect on their own values and the influence they carry, drawing on personal accounts of teachers, mentors and family members who shaped participants through simple acts of care. The presentation connected these reflections to established psychological principles, among them the fundamental human needs for safety, belonging and recognition, and the concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Coaches were also introduced to the notion of professional love and its role in early years care and education and encouraged to consider how small gestures of encouragement can carry lasting significance for the children in their care.

Coaching Matters

A second section addressed the practical side of coaching, covering positive group management, from welcoming children and setting clear expectations to structuring activity time and maintaining an active, engaged coaching presence. A framework for managing behaviour, built around redirecting, reinforcing and resetting, was presented as a means of maintaining a calm and constructive environment without resorting to public correction.

Shaping a Coaching Charter

The seminar concluded with a workshop in which coaches, working in groups, contributed toward a Coaching Charter, addressing themes such as preparation, communication, professional behaviour, safety and long-term growth. Organisers described the exercise as an opportunity for coaches to define, in their own words, the standards they wish to uphold.

Looking Ahead

The seminar comes as the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme prepares to commence, equipping coaches with both the reflective grounding and practical tools to support children across the programme’s various strands throughout the summer months.

SportMalta’s flagship Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme gets underway tomorrow, launching another summer dedicated to promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles and community engagement across the Maltese Islands. This year’s edition has attracted an impressive 3,000 participants, reflecting the programme’s continued popularity among children, teenagers and adults.

The eight-week programme will be delivered across six venues: Cottonera Sport Complex, Marsa Sport Complex, the National Pool Complex, Maria Assunta Complex (Hamrun), Kirkop Sport Complex, Gozo  and Mosta (Zokrija Secondary School). Throughout the summer, these centres will host a wide range of sporting and recreational activities, ensuring that participants from different localities have access to quality coaching and modern sporting facilities and equipment.

Participants will benefit from the expertise of fully qualified coaches, who will lead the various sporting activities and ensure that sessions are delivered in a safe, enjoyable and professional environment. They will be supported by a team of dedicated helpers who will assist the coaches in the preparation and organisation of activities, enabling each session to run efficiently while providing participants with the attention and encouragement they need. Over 180 between coaches and helpers will deliver this programme.

Designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to embrace a more active lifestyle, the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme offers an extensive selection of activities, including swimming, athletics, gymnastics, football, fitness classes, dance, judo, sailing and a variety of other recreational sports. The programme not only focuses on developing sporting skills but also promotes teamwork, discipline, confidence and respect.

For younger participants, the programme provides a structured and engaging environment during the school holidays, encouraging healthy habits from an early age while allowing children to discover new sports, build confidence and make lasting friendships. Adults also benefit from a broad programme of fitness and wellness sessions tailored to different levels of experience and physical ability.  Most of the programmes run from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 14:00 hours whilst other tailor-made programmes are offered at different hours.

The participation of 3,000 individuals highlights the strong demand for organised sporting activities during the summer months and reinforces SportMalta’s commitment to building a healthier and more active nation. Over the course of the eight weeks, participants will not only improve their physical wellbeing but also enjoy the social and personal benefits that come with regular participation in sport.

As the first sessions begin tomorrow, SportMalta is looking forward to welcoming thousands of participants to its six venues for another successful edition of the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme. With the support of experienced coaches, committed helpers and modern sporting facilities, the initiative once again demonstrates that sport is for everyone, providing opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, learn new skills and enjoy a fun, healthy and rewarding summer.

SportMalta attended the European Union Peer Learning Activity on sport tourism, held on 25 and 26 June 2026 in Salzburg City in Austria. The two-day event, co-funded by the European Union and organised under the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, brought together sport and tourism officials from across EU member states to examine sport tourism as a driver of economic growth and regional development.

SportMalta was represented and delivered a presentation on Malta’s approach to sport tourism. The activity focused on sport as a driver of tourism, examining data-based insights and policy impact through presentations, keynote addresses and panel discussions on the current landscape of sport tourism across Europe and its potential for policy development.

Malta’s Sport Tourism Offer

SportMalta’s presentation outlined the role that sport tourism plays within Malta’s wider tourism strategy, noting its importance in attracting visitors beyond the peak summer season. Malta’s mild climate, coastal environment and modern sports facilities were highlighted as key assets, with the country’s offer spanning football and athletics training camps, diving and water sports, sailing and yachting, and open-water swimming competitions. Cooperation between SportMalta and the Malta Tourism Authority supports shared objectives including diversifying tourism products, reducing seasonality and supporting local economic development through sports events and training camps.

Major International Events

Malta’s recent hosting record formed a central part of the presentation. SportMalta managed the National Pool Complex at Tal-Qroqq and the Cottonera Sports Complex for the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Division 2 in 2026, and supported the European Aquatics Champions League Final Four, both of which attracted international athletes, officials and supporters. The annual Rolex Middle Sea Race, departing from the Grand Harbour, and the Traditional Regatta, organised twice yearly by SportMalta, were also cited alongside Special Olympics Malta as events combining sporting and cultural value with measurable tourism impact.

Looking Ahead

Malta’s participation in the Salzburg peer learning activity reflects SportMalta’s ongoing engagement with European sport policy networks and its commitment to positioning the island as a year-round destination for sporting activity and international competition.

The COOP Services National Long Course Championships 2025/26 took place at the SportMalta Cottonera Sport Complex, Cospicua from Thursday 26 June to Sunday 29 June 2026, bringing together 373 athletes representing 17 clubs across four days of competitive long course swimming. The event served as one of the principal fixtures on the national aquatics calendar, attracting participants from across Malta as well as a number of international entries from Turkey and France. Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri attended the championships, following the ongoing competition, alongside the President of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, Karl Izzo, and the Chief Executive Officer of SportMalta, Mark Cutajar.

A total of 373 athletes — 206 men and 167 women — generated 1,789 individual entries and 81 relay entries across the four days. The championships drew clubs of varying sizes, from large established squads to smaller visiting contingents, with competition spanning all age groups from the youngest categories through to senior open events.

Top Three Clubs

Neptunes WPSC claimed the top spot on the medal table with an emphatic 42 gold, 42 silver, and 24 bronze medals, demonstrating considerable depth across both their male and female squads. Sliema ASC finished second with 32 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze medals, while Southwaves Swimming Club rounded out the top three with 11 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

Records Broken

Two age group records fell during the championships. Martina Galea of Aquahub set a new Group C Women’s Age Group Record in the 50m Butterfly, clocking 29.60 to claim gold in that event. Madeleine Cassar of Neptunes WPSC broke the Group D Women’s Age Group Record in the 200m Butterfly, finishing in 2:25.59 in what was an impressive individual championship across multiple events.

International Participation

The championships also welcomed international representation, with Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü from Turkey contributing nine athletes across 34 individual events, alongside entries from Fmv Isik Spor Kulübü, MUC Natation, and individual representatives from Turkey. This international presence added further competitive depth to the proceedings and provided Maltese athletes with the opportunity to race against swimmers from beyond the national circuit.

Inclusive Sport at the Championships

Special Olympics Malta’s participation was a notable feature of the championships. Fourteen athletes — eight men and six women — competed in 24 individual events and two relay entries, reflecting the ongoing integration of Special Olympics athletes into mainstream competitive swimming at national level.

A Strong Close to the Season

With two age group records broken, a medal table topped convincingly by Neptunes WPSC, and a combined total of 1,870 individual and relay entries across 17 clubs, the COOP Services National Long Course Championships 2025/26 represented a fitting and well-attended conclusion to the long course season.

Coach education sits at the foundation of any well-functioning sporting system. Without qualified, knowledgeable coaches working at grassroots level, the pathway from first participation to sustained athletic development becomes harder to sustain. It was in this context that Malta hosted the in-person component of the inaugural European Aquatics Level 1 Swimming Coaches’ Course from 26 to 28 June 2026, with sessions taking place at the National Pool Complex in Gżira.

The course was organised by European Aquatics, the governing body for aquatic sports across the continent in collaboration with SportMalta, represented the first edition of a structured qualification pathway designed to establish a consistent standard for swimming coaches at entry level. It formed part of the European Aquatics Strategic Plan 2024–2030, which places education and coach development at the centre of the organisation’s long-term priorities. SportMalta supported the hosting of the in-person component locally, reflecting Malta’s active role in European sport development networks and its capacity to facilitate international educational programmes at national-level facilities.

Programme and Delivery

The course was delivered across two phases — online sessions running from April to June, followed by the three-day in-person block in Malta. The in-person sessions were led by two specialist educators: Robin Pla, who delivered modules on Coaching in Swimming and Training Methods and Planning in Swimming across all three days, and Henrique Neiva, who led the Introduction to Training in Swimming module on Friday and Saturday. Sessions ran from morning through to early evening, offering participants an intensive and structured learning experience over the course of the weekend.

The full curriculum covered six modules totalling over 70 hours of content, spanning Sport Science Fundamentals, Introduction to Swimming, Coaching in Swimming, Training Methods and Planning in Swimming, Introduction to Training in Swimming, and the Swim Safe Europe — Learn to Swim module.

Learning Outcomes and Qualification Standards

Participants who completed the course gained a grounding in swimming technique analysis, sport science principles, athlete development frameworks, safeguarding responsibilities, and session planning and delivery. The Level 1 qualification is aimed at those entering coaching, equipping them to assist in planning and delivering swimming sessions and to apply fundamental sport science principles in practice.

Beyond technical knowledge, the course placed emphasis on professional conduct and values — including a commitment to safe practice, inclusion, participant welfare, and continuous self-improvement. Coaches were expected to demonstrate a participant-centred approach and the adaptability required to support swimmers across different stages of development. In doing so, the qualification reflects European Aquatics’ broader ambition to raise coaching standards consistently across its member nations.

The Malta Karate Federation National Championships 2026 took place at the Cottonera Sports Complex over the weekend, bringing together 202 athletes in a competition that celebrated the core values of the sport. Participants ranged in age from five to 45, competing across Kata and Kumite disciplines and representing a broad cross-section of the local karate community. The hard work, commitment, and perseverance that athletes had invested throughout the year were on clear display across both days of competition.

The weekend’s programme reflected the spirit that defines karate at every level: sportsmanship, discipline, respect, and determination. Athletes who had trained consistently throughout the year were given the opportunity to demonstrate their progress in a competitive environment that recognised both technical skill and personal commitment. The varied age range of participants — from young children entering competition for the first time to experienced seniors — underlined the sport’s breadth across generations.

Competition on the Tatami

Competitors took to the tatami across both Kata and Kumite categories, with strong entries in each. Kata events demanded precision, controlled movement, and clarity of form, while Kumite bouts called for tactical awareness and composure under pressure. Together, the two formats offered a comprehensive showcase of what the sport demands from its practitioners at the national level.

The breadth of participation — spanning four decades of age groups — highlighted the inclusive nature of karate and the investment that clubs across Malta have made in developing athletes at all stages. For many younger competitors, the championships represented an important early milestone; for more experienced athletes, an opportunity to continue performing at the highest domestic level.

Looking Ahead to the Small States of Europe Karate Championships

With the national championships concluded, attention turns to an international stage. Malta is set to host the Small States of Europe Karate Championships this October, welcoming nine nations to the island. The event will provide Maltese athletes with the opportunity to compete against counterparts from across the Small States community, testing themselves at the international level while on home ground.

For athletes who performed at this weekend’s national championships, the October event represents a clear and tangible next goal as preparations continue through the summer. The Malta Karate Federation National Championships 2026 provided a strong foundation for the months ahead, and the level of participation and commitment shown across all age groups reflects the continued effort to keep karate active, competitive, and growing in Malta.

Minister for Education and Sport Hon. Byron Camilleri held an open discussion meeting at SportMalta headquarters with stakeholders involved in the traditional Regattas. The meeting formed part of a broader effort to maintain Government support for one of Malta’s long-established sporting traditions.

Those present included representatives from SportMalta, regatta clubs and associations, and members of the committee appointed by the Ministry. The session gave stakeholders the opportunity to set out their views, raise concerns, and put forward proposals relating to the organisation and future direction of the sport.

Topics Discussed

A range of initiatives were presented and debated during the meeting, with discussions centred on the administration of the sport, the drafting of a new statute to provide a clearer regulatory framework, the allocation of boats to clubs, and ways to raise the overall standard and visibility of Regatta events. The exchange was structured around the shared objective of ensuring the sport’s continued development.

Government Position and the Importance of Cooperation

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri indicated that the Government intends to maintain its support for the sport and the people involved in it. He noted that resources and assistance would remain available on the condition that club’s approach key decisions collectively and in a constructive spirit. The Minister identified governance, administration, and long-term planning as areas where agreement among clubs would be particularly important.

Youth Development

The development of nurseries and youth participation featured prominently in the discussions. There was general agreement among stakeholders that sustained investment in younger athletes is necessary if the sport is to retain its footing across future generations. Several proposals were put forward aimed at strengthening youth programmes and broadening participation at club level.

Response from Club Representatives

Club representatives expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the Minister, noting that the meeting had taken place shortly after he assumed office. The session was broadly described as constructive, with participants highlighting the importance of open communication between the authorities and those active in the sport. The willingness of all parties to engage in dialogue was seen as a positive step forward.

SportMalta was among the national sport bodies gathered in Brussels on 23 June 2026 as Commissioner Glenn Micallef hosted the first-ever #BeActive EU Sport Awards at Bozar. The ceremony recognised projects from across Europe that had worked to promote physical activity, social inclusion and community engagement through sport. As Malta’s National Coordinating Body for the European Week of Sport, SportMalta also took part in an implementation dialogue with the Commissioner, an opportunity for national bodies to discuss how the initiative was being taken forward in their respective countries.

A New Recognition Scheme for European Sport

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards brought together what were previously two separate European recognition schemes into a single framework spanning five categories: Physical Activity, Inclusion, Volunteering, Across Generations, and Peace. This year’s edition drew a record 279 applications, from which an independent jury selected 15 finalists. Category winners each received €15,000, with the remaining finalists awarded €5,000. The ceremony coincided with Olympic Day, marked globally on 23 June.

The Winners

Portugal’s Município de Oeiras took the Physical Activity award for its Fit Senior programme, which brought structured exercise to older adults to support their wellbeing and reduce social isolation. Slovenia’s Planinska Zveza Slovenije won in the Inclusion category for its inPlaninec project, which adapted mountain hiking to make it accessible to people with disabilities. In the Volunteering category, United Way Magyarország from Hungary was recognised for its Flow and Learn programme, which used movement and physical activity within educational settings to support children with ADHD or learning difficulties.

Croatia’s Trkacki klub “Marathon 95” Varaždin received the Across Generations award for the Drava Cross League, a running programme that brought people of different ages together around a shared sense of community. The Peace category went to Associazione Internazionale New Humanity in Italy for Run4Unity, a cross-border relay initiative in which young participants across time zones connected through sport and shared cultural exchange.

An Evening of Recognition and Reflection

The ceremony was opened by Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General of DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. A fireside conversation between Commissioner Micallef and Cyprus’ Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr Athena Michaelidou, explored the wider social contribution of sport. Professional basketball player Sébastien Bellin, who survived the 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks, also addressed the gathering, speaking on resilience and the capacity of sport to shape character beyond physical performance.

Looking Ahead

SportMalta’s presence in Brussels, both at the ceremony and in the policy dialogue, reflected its continued engagement with European sport frameworks. With the European Week of Sport approaching in September, the organisation would draw on the experience from this visit as it developed the national programme. The awards, in their first full edition, had set a clear benchmark for best practice across the continent, and Malta’s participation in the wider European conversation around sport and physical activity remained an important part of that effort.

European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League | Final 4 | Malta 2026

Malta successfully hosted the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4 last week, welcoming eight of Europe’s top clubs to the National Pool Complex, TalQroqq, for four days of high-level competition. Organised in partnership with European Aquatics, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, and Visit Malta, the event was driven by SportMalta, whose CEO Mark Cutajar served as Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee. The tournament concluded with Olympiacos SFP and CN AtleticBarceloneta being crowned Women’s and Men’s Champions League winners respectively.

FTC Telekom Waterpolo Edge Through on Penalties

In the first Women’s semi-final, FTC Telekom Waterpolo defeated Assolim CN Sant Andreu 15–14 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 11–11 at full time. The match was tightly contested throughout, with neither side able to break the deadlock over four hard-fought quarters. Ortiz Munoz Beatriz and Kurucz-Gurisatti Greta were among the notable contributors for FTC Telekom Waterpolo, consistently threatening the Sant Andreu goal and keeping their side in contention. For the Spanish side, Ruiz Barril Elena and Williams Alice Emily put in impressive performances, ensuring the contest remained close until the very end. Sant Andreu equalised to level the score at 11–11, sending the match to a penalty shootout in which FTC Telekom Waterpolo ultimately held their nerve to prevail 15–14.

Olympiacos SFP Book Their Place in the Women’s Final

In the second Women’s semi-final, Olympiacos SFP defeated Assolim CN Mataro 14–12 in an equally engaging match. The Greek side showed composure and quality throughout, with Plevritou and Stamatopoulou among the standout performers, driving Olympiacos SFP forward at crucial moments. Mataro pushed hard and made it a competitive contest, but Olympiacos SFP maintained their advantage to secure their place in the final.

Women’s Bronze Medal Match

Assolim CN Sant Andreu and Assolim CN Mataro faced each other in the Women’s bronze medal match, with CN Sant Andreu ultimately claiming third place. Ultimately, Assolim CN Sant Andreu, secure victory in regular time. Mataró fell to a third consecutive Final Four defeat, leaving them without a win across two appearances. After reaching the final in 2023, they have since placed fourth in both 2024 and 2025.

CN Atletic-Barceloneta Advance on Penalties in Men’s Semi-Final

CN Atletic-Barceloneta secured their place in the Men’s Final with a penalty shootout victory over FTC Telekom, after a tightly contested match that ended 13–11 at full time. With the scores level at 9–9 heading into the final stages, CN Atletic-Barceloneta equalised at the last minute to force penalties, where goalkeeper Unai Aguirre Rubio produced a series of stellar saves to send his side through.

Pro Recco Advance in Commanding Fashion

Pro Recco left no room for doubt in the second Men’s semi-final, defeating Olympiacos SFP 16–9 in a dominant display. It was a comprehensive performance from the Italian side, who were clinical throughout and never allowed their opponents back into the contest.

Men’s Bronze Medal Match

Pro Recco’s victory set up a Men’s bronze medal match between FTC Telekom Waterpolo and Olympiacos SFP.

The Hungarians defeated Olympiacos SFP 16–13. FTC Telekom found themselves trailing on more than one occasion but produced a strong final quarter, with Marton Vamos, Akos Nagy and Dusan Mandic among the standout contributors.

Women’s Final: Olympiacos SFP Crowned Champions

Olympiacos SFP were crowned Women’s Champions League winners on Friday night after defeating FTC Telekom Waterpolo 17–14 in a penalty shootout, following a match
that finished 14–14 at full time.

Olympiacos made a strong start, building a three-goal lead through Abby Andrews and Christina Siouti. FTC Telekom Waterpolo fought back strongly in the third quarter, with captain Greta Gurisatti in outstanding form, scoring seven goals across the match. The Hungarians turned a deficit into a two-goal lead heading into the final stages of the fourth
quarter.

Olympiacos refused to give in. Stefania Santa levelled the score at 14–14 with just 13 seconds remaining, forcing a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Olympiacos brought on reserve goalkeeper Britt van den Dobbelsteen — a penalty specialist who also fulfils that role for the Dutch national team. She proved decisive, saving three consecutive penalties from Ortiz, Szilagyi and Plevritou to hand Olympiacos their fourth Champions League title.

In the bronze medal match, CN Sant Andreu defeated Assolim CN Mataro 11–9, with Elena Ruiz delivering a decisive finish late in the fourth quarter to seal the result.

Men’s Final: CN Atletic-Barceloneta Crowned Champions

CN Atletic-Barceloneta were crowned Men’s Champions League winners on Saturday night, defeating Pro Recco 17–16 in the highest-scoring final in the history of the competition.

Barceloneta made a strong start, racing into an early lead before Pro Recco fought back to take a three-goal advantage midway through the second quarter. Captain Alberto Munarriz and Gergo Burian were key contributors for the Spanish side, helping them gradually claw back the deficit. Roger Tahull’s finish brought the score to 11–12 at half-time, before Barceloneta levelled early in the third quarter and gradually took control. Goalkeeper Unai Aguirre was outstanding throughout, finishing with six saves from 22 shots.

With just under two minutes remaining, Burian restored a two-goal lead for Barceloneta at 17–15. Pro Recco pulled one back through Iocchi Gratta to make it 17–16, before Barceloneta’s defence held firm in the closing seconds to secure the title — their first in 12 years, and their second overall.

SportMalta’s Role in Delivering a World-Class Event

SportMalta played a central role in the organisation and delivery of the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4. Fellow SportMalta representatives also sat on the committee, with planning beginning shortly after the conclusion of the tournament’s second edition — a reflection of the long-term commitment SportMalta invested in bringing this event to Malta. SportMalta employees went above and beyond their normal duties in the lead-up to and during the event, ensuring that every aspect of the tournament’s delivery met the highest standards. Their dedication was recognised on the podium, with LOC Member Rose Marie Mercieca presenting the Women’s Final second place award to FTC Telekom Waterpolo, and CEO Mark Cutajar presenting the Women’s Final first place award to Olympiacos SFP and the Men’s Final second place award to Pro Recco. The Men’s Final first place trophy was presented by Minister Hon. Dr Byron Camilleri to CN Atletic-Barceloneta. Between 600 and 700 supporters attended each day — many travelling with their clubs from Hungary, Greece, Spain, and Italy — underlining the significant sport tourism impact that events of this calibre bring to Malta, with visiting fans filling local hotels, restaurants, and venues across the island.

The Final 4 represented exactly the kind of high-profile international tournament that positions Malta as a premier sport tourism destination in the Mediterranean, and a testament to SportMalta’s commitment to securing and delivering events of this standard.

A Tournament to Remember

The European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4 in Malta delivered four days of outstanding competition, with both the Women’s and Men’s titles decided in memorable fashion. All eight clubs played their part in making this a tournament that showcased the very best of European water polo, further cementing Malta’s standing as a destination of choice for world-class international sport.