At the conclusion of the Celebrating Sport in Malta 2025 conference, the Maltese government announced an impressive financial support package worth over €1.6 million to bolster the local sporting community. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to foster sports development and create opportunities for athletes at both the local and international levels.

The funds, which are split into two distinct schemes, aim to address the evolving needs of the Maltese sports sector. The two funding schemes include International Participation and Sporting Tourism, both of which play crucial roles in ensuring that Malta’s sports scene continues to thrive. The announcement was made during the closing remarks of the conference by Minister Clifton Grima, who reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to sustaining and growing the local sporting ecosystem.

International Participation Scheme

The International Participation scheme is designed to support Maltese athletes and teams who are competing in international competitions and events. This scheme aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with travel, accommodation, and other expenses incurred while participating in prestigious global tournaments. By providing this support, the government ensures that Maltese athletes have the necessary resources to showcase their talents on the world stage and achieve remarkable results.

Through the International Participation scheme, athletes will be able to pursue their dreams and gain invaluable international experience, which is essential for their development. Minister Clifton Grima emphasized the importance of this initiative in allowing Maltese sports professionals to engage with a wider array of international challenges. This exposure enhances their skills and provides them with the motivation to excel.

Sporting Tourism Scheme

The second scheme, Sporting Tourism, reflects the growing recognition of the vital link between sports and tourism. With Malta being a destination that attracts numerous international sporting events and athletes year-round, the Sporting Tourism scheme aims to harness the potential of this sector to generate economic growth and further enhance Malta’s reputation as a hub for sports tourism.

For both schemes, SportMalta received an overwhelming number of 158 applications, a clear indication of the sporting community’s eagerness to take advantage of the financial support available. This funding will support a range of sporting activities, events, and initiatives that not only enhance the visibility of Maltese athletes but also promote Malta as a prime destination for international sporting events. The government recognizes the potential for sports tourism to be a significant driver of economic growth, and through this scheme, it aims to create sustainable opportunities for sports-related tourism that will have a lasting impact on the local economy.

Government’s Commitment to the Sporting Community

In his closing speech, Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the importance of these initiatives in fostering a thriving and resilient sports sector in Malta. He emphasized that the government remains deeply committed to supporting the sporting community, ensuring that athletes and organizations have the resources they need to succeed.

“Today, we are not just providing financial assistance, but we are creating a foundation upon which future successes can be built. This funding is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to empowering the sporting community, motivating athletes to reach their full potential, and inspiring them to take proactive initiatives that will drive growth in the sector,” Minister Grima remarked.

The government’s ongoing investment in sports aims to inspire athletes, coaches, and sports organizations to push the boundaries of what is possible. Minister Grima stated that by continuing to support the sporting community, the government intends to foster a culture of excellence, where individuals are encouraged to aim high and pursue both local and international achievements.

A Crucial Step for Local and International Success

This substantial financial support package is not only a vital contribution to the development of local sports but also a key enabler for Maltese athletes aiming for international success. As the sporting landscape evolves, the government’s support will provide athletes with the necessary tools to elevate their performances and bring pride to the nation.

Minister Grima underscored that the financial assistance will play a critical role in helping athletes achieve both local and international success. “We want our athletes to be proactive, to take initiative, and to continue generating income for the sector. Through these funding schemes, we are providing the necessary resources to help athletes achieve their goals and inspire future generations to pursue sporting excellence,” he added.

By investing in these schemes, the Maltese government is ensuring that Malta remains a key player in the global sports arena, providing athletes and sports organizations with the support they need to achieve their goals, create new opportunities, and generate further income for the nation.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Sporting Excellence

The Celebrating Sport in Malta 2025 conference not only highlighted the achievements of the Maltese sporting community but also set the stage for a promising future. With over €1.6 million in funds to the sporting community, athletes and sports organizations can look forward to a future of greater opportunities, continued growth, and international recognition.

As Minister Grima concluded, “This financial support is a crucial step in ensuring that Maltese athletes can compete on the international stage, while also contributing to the growth of our economy through sports tourism. The government remains fully committed to supporting the Maltese sporting community, and together, we will continue to achieve new heights of success.”

For more information on the funding schemes, athletes and sports organizations are encouraged to visit SportMalta’s official website.

The Celebration of Sport in Malta 2025 Recognition Night proved to be a resounding success, commemorating a decade of transformative impact in Maltese sports. The event brought together athletes, associations, voluntary organisations, and stakeholders to honour their dedication, hard work, and success in using sports to change lives.

This milestone evening featured special recognition for individuals and organisations whose contributions have significantly impacted the Maltese sports community.

Special Recognition was given to;

• Malta Basketball Association – Collaboration with SportMalta to build a high-level sporting venue.
• Neil Agius – Raising awareness about environmental issues through his record-breaking swim.
• Malta Employees Sports Association – Promoting an active and healthy workforce.
• Jarhead Foundation – Engaging minorities through the sport of sailing.
• Special Olympics Invitational Games 2022 – Putting Malta on the International sporting map.
• GSSE 2023 Organising Committee: Organising a state of the art International competition putting the Maltese flag on a top-tier level.
• European Aquatics Final 4 Champions League 2024 Organising Committee: Hosting a high-level International pioneering competition boosting the sport in Malta.
• SportMalta Employees: A decade of hard work and dedication to SportMalta’s mission.

• Caritas Malta and Dar tal-Providenza: Fostering generosity and community through sport.
• Minister Clifton Grima: His leadership and unwavering support of Maltese sport.

• Alfred Cachia and Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro: Their lifelong dedication to sport on the Maltese Islands.

The evening also marked the 10th anniversary of SportMalta, a milestone celebrated with inspiring speeches. Hon. Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the Maltese government’s robust support for sport and physical activities, emphasising their role in improving the quality of life. Matthew Pisani, Chairman of SportMalta, underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving these successes. Meanwhile, Mark Cutajar, CEO of SportMalta, paid tribute to both past and present employees of the entity, acknowledging their pivotal role in fulfilling SportMalta’s mission over the years.

Italian volleyball legend Valerio Vermiglio was the special guest at the Celebrating Sport in Malta 2025 Gala night, Vermiglio shared invaluable insights on sport and professionalism, inspiring attendees with his perspective on achieving success on a competitive stage. He also delighted the audience by recounting memorable moments from his high-level career as a volleyball player.

This memorable night not only celebrated past achievements but also set a vision for the future of sport in Malta. As we look ahead, the collective spirit and dedication showcased during this event sets even greater milestones for Maltese sport. We strive for countless years ahead of excellence and evolution through sport.

Malta’s vibrant sports community came together in a spectacular fashion for the highly anticipated Celebrating Sport in Malta Conference 2025, a two-day event that captivated attendees with insightful discussions, expert panels, and remarkable guest appearances. The conference, a celebration of sportsmanship, innovation, and community spirit, has undoubtedly set a high standard for future gatherings.

One of the standout features of the event was the esteemed lineup of special guests, each of whom brought their unique expertise and perspectives to the stage. Prof. Antonio Silva, President of the European Aquatic Association, delivered a compelling presentation on Learning to Swim and Prevent Drowning, emphasizing the importance of water safety and education.

Prof. Da Silva, delivered a powerful and eye-opening presentation on the importance of learning to swim and preventing drowning. His presentation included shocking statistics, revealing that over 5,000 people in Europe lose their lives to drowning each year. Even more alarming, drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14 in many European countries.

Prof. Da Silva emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and access to swimming lessons to combat this preventable tragedy. He highlighted the critical role of swimming as a life-saving skill and called for enhanced collaboration between governments, schools, and sports organizations to implement comprehensive water safety programs. His presentation was a stark reminder of the responsibility we all share in ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.

Prof. Gregor Starc, representing SLOfit, shared his expertise on the National Fitness Surveillance Programme, highlighting innovative approaches to monitoring and improving population fitness.

Prof. Starc, delivered an impactful presentation emphasizing the crucial role of lifelong fitness monitoring in promoting health and well-being. He explained in detail how consistent tracking of physical fitness across all stages of life provides valuable insights into an individual’s health trajectory highlighting the importance of early intervention and the ability to identify potential health risks through fitness data. He also underscored how lifelong fitness monitoring can inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, making it a cornerstone of effective public health strategies. His insights were both enlightening and highly relevant to today’s challenges.”

Mr. Aurelien Favre, Executive Director of the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment, provided excellent insights into European Funding Opportunities for the Sport Sector in Malta, offering practical advice and strategies for leveraging these resources.

Mr. Favre gave an insightful explanation of the Erasmus+ European Union Programme. Covering the period from 2021 to 2027, this programme aims to support education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. With a substantial budget of €26.2 billion allocated over seven years, approximately 1.9% is dedicated to sport, providing significant opportunities for funding and development in the sports sector. His insights highlighted the programme’s potential impact on Maltese sports initiatives.”

Dr. John Xerri De Caro, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Malta, presented his views on Promoting Physical Activity in the Transition towards Retirement Process, offering valuable guidance on maintaining health and wellness during life transitions, he also gave an insight regarding the HEPA strategy life events represent key points in people’s lives when encouragement, support and interventions are particularly needed to sustain adequate physical activity levels.

Dr. John Xerri de Caro emphasized the significance of motivation in fostering physical activity, outlining two critical aspects. He explained that intrinsic motivation, such as the enjoyment derived from participating in sports, plays a fundamental role in sustaining long-term engagement. Meanwhile, extrinsic motivation, supported through external incentives or structured encouragement, can act as a powerful catalyst in initiating and maintaining an active lifestyle.

The highlight of the conference was undoubtedly the panel discussion, which brought together these exceptional minds for a one-of-a-kind dialogue. The exchange of ideas was both thought-provoking and solution-oriented, addressing key challenges and opportunities in Malta’s sports landscape.

The overwhelming attendance at the conference was a testament to Malta’s passion for sports and the community’s commitment to fostering excellence in this field. From athletes and coaches to policymakers and sports enthusiasts, the diverse audience reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Malta’s sports culture.

Special thanks go to the numerous individuals who attended and contributed to the success of this event. Your enthusiasm and engagement were integral to creating a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.

We thank you for joining us to celebrating sports, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future!

SportMalta is gearing up to celebrate a remarkable milestone—its 10th anniversary—tomorrow, Friday, January 10th. The occasion will be marked with the Celebrate Sport in Malta Conference, a dedicated event reflecting on a decade of promoting sports and wellness across the nation.

Important Notice to the Public

 To facilitate this special celebration, the SportMalta Head Office will be closed for the day, with no services available from the head office. However, the organization assures the public that all other services will continue to operate as usual.

SportMalta would like gratitude for the community’s support over the years

The Maltese National Water Polo Team has achieved a historic victory in the SportMalta Christmas Cup 2024, defeating Slovenia in the final match to claim the tournament title. In a thrilling match held at the Cottonera sports complex, the Maltese players displayed outstanding teamwork and determination, securing their place at the top of the podium.

Portugal finished in second place after an impressive tournament run, while Slovenia claimed third place, delivering a strong performance throughout the competition.

This tournament, organized by SportMalta and in collaboration with Visit Malta, Enemed, General Soft Drinks and the Aquatic Sports Association, was more than just a showcase of sporting excellence. It also carried a message of generosity, with free entrance to all games and donations collected at the entrance for a charitable cause, reflecting the true spirit of the festive season.

Chairman of Sportmalta Mr Matthew Pisani and President of the ASA Mr Karl Izzo at the of the end tournament presented the trophies to all teams.

SportMalta is proud to announce the return of the much-anticipated Water Polo Christmas Cup, set to take place from 13th to 15th December 2024. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, this year’s tournament promises to be even more thrilling as the entire Maltese water polo elite comes together to compete in a showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship.

The SportMalta Christmas Cup is a unique event that unites the best talent from Malta’s thriving water polo scene, bringing together players from all corners of the nation to compete in a spirit of unity and celebration. Over three days, the tournament will feature intense matches, electrifying moments, and unforgettable performances that highlight the depth of talent within Malta’s water polo community.

In collaboration with our esteemed partners Visit Malta, Enemed, and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, this year’s event aims to shine a spotlight on Malta as a premier destination for sports tourism and excellence in aquatic sports.

Date of Games:

Fri 13 Dec

18:00 – Portugal v Slovakia

20:00 – Malta v Slovenia

Sat 14 Dec

12:00 – Slovakia v Slovenia

18:00 – Slovenia v Portugal

20:00 – Malta v Slovakia

Sun 15 Dec

10:00 – Malta v Portugal

Venue: Cottonera Sports Complex, Cottonera

Dates: 13th to 15th December 2024

Entrance is free, a voluntary donation in support of l-Istrina will be collected at the entrance.

SportMalta invites fans, families, and the media to join us in supporting our local talent and celebrating the spirit of water polo. This event underscores our commitment to nurturing sports at every level and creating platforms where Maltese athletes can shine.

Stay tuned for more details, including match schedules and special guest appearances, by following SportMalta’s official channels. Together, let’s make this holiday season one to remember for Maltese water polo!

For more information, visit sportmalta.mt or follow us on our social media channels.

As part of the SportMalta School Sports Day campaign, Mġarr Primary School hosted a vibrant Mini Sports Day on Friday, October 11th, 2024, dedicated to our Year 6 students. This lively event featured a series of exciting running and throwing competitions, all designed to highlight the importance of physical fitness and the spirit of sportsmanship.

The atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm as students prepared to showcase their athletic skills in events such as sprints, relay races, and javelin throwing. These competitions emphasized cooperation, perseverance, and a love for exercise, values we believe are essential for a child’s growth and development. By focusing on athletics, Mġarr Primary aimed to promote not only physical health but also the mental benefits of regular physical activity, which play a crucial role in children’s academic and social lives.

Our Mini Sports Day also aimed to inspire a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity in our students. Through exposure to a variety of sports, we encouraged exploration and curiosity, fostering a spirit of adventure that we hope will lead to lifelong healthy habits. Throughout the year, we remain dedicated to providing diverse sports and physical activities, ensuring students have ample opportunities to build fitness, teamwork, and self-discipline.

STC Lija Primary proudly participated in the SportMalta School Sports Day, with enthusiastic involvement from the primary classes, supported by PE teacher Mr. Tristan Nappa Licari and the entire educational staff. Each class engaged in a variety of physical activities, organized as interactive stations designed by Mr. Tristan to ensure fun and physical engagement for all students. Educators were well-prepared with detailed hard and soft copies of activity plans, allowing them to familiarize themselves with each game and support Mr. Tristan throughout the event.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, music played during the activities, boosting motivation and creating a joyful environment that encouraged students to fully engage. The music heightened the sense of celebration, making the day memorable for everyone involved.

This event was more than just a day of physical activities; it was an opportunity for schools across Malta and Gozo to unite in promoting physical health, healthy competition, and the core values of teamwork and sportsmanship. STC Lija Primary is proud to have contributed to this shared commitment to active lifestyles, and we look forward to continuing to foster a love for movement and a positive attitude towards health among our students.