John Farrugia emerged victorious in this year’s #BeActive European Week of Sport Snooker competition, an event held at one of SportMalta’s esteemed facilities, namely the Snooker Academy.

With 37 participants in this year’s edition, the competition followed its traditional knockout format with handicap points. In this format, players not matched against opponents of the same skill level began with either a 7-point advantage or disadvantage, depending on their category within the sport.

As the competition progressed to the semifinals, John Farrugia triumphed over Joseph Casha, while Aaron Busuttil defeated Brian Cini. This set the stage for the final showdown between John Farrugia and Aaron Busuttil, both hailing from the Premier league in the local circuit. However, due to Busuttil’s status among the Top 8 players in Malta, he faced a 7-point handicap.

Until the final, all matches were contested as best of five frames, but the championship match extended to a best of seven frames format.

During this gripping final, officiated by Mr. Joseph C. Debono, John Farrugia delivered an exceptional performance, brushing aside the challenge posed by Aaron Busuttil. Remarkably, Farrugia’s 7-point handicap had no bearing on the frame scores. He secured a resounding 4-1 victory with the following frame scores: 69-45, 87-0 (including an impressive 87-point break), 36-67, 108-8, and 100-0.

After the game, Mrs. Rose Marie Mercieca, with her official designation, conducted the awards ceremony, with the esteemed presence of Ivan Brincat, the President of the Malta Billiards & Snooker Association.

Kavallieri Handball Club recently embarked on an exciting journey that culminated in a memorable weekend in Sicily for its senior Men’s Team. This event took place as part of the European Week of Sport, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle across the continent.

During this special weekend, Kavallieri Handball Club squared off against two formidable opponents, Enna Handball Club and Mascalucia Handball, both hailing from different divisions of the Italian handball scene. These friendly games not only provided a platform for competitive sportsmanship but also offered an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual respect among players from diverse backgrounds.

As the matches unfolded, it became evident that Kavallieri’s performance was on an upward trajectory. The coach expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s progress, attributing it to the positive attitudes and objectives achieved by the players.

This weekend getaway was not just about sports; it was the culmination of a series of activities carefully orchestrated by the club. These activities aimed to foster camaraderie among senior players, uniting individuals from various cultures and religions. The club’s commitment to nurturing respect and unity among its members was evident throughout these team-building events.

Moreover, Kavallieri Handball Club extended its influence beyond its immediate roster, using these events as a platform to set an example for young, aspiring athletes within their junior ranks. By demonstrating the values of sportsmanship and respectful behavior, the senior players served as role models for the next generation.

None of these endeavors would have been possible without the invaluable support of SportMalta and #BeActive. These organizations share a common vision of promoting inclusivity and healthy living through sports, contributing not only to the local community but also strengthening the bonds within the European sports community. As part of the European Week of Sport, Kavallieri Handball Club’s Sicilian adventure exemplified the power of sports in bringing people together, fostering respect, and encouraging an active lifestyle.

The European Week of Sport took place across our country with various events as part of the European Union’s #BeActive campaign, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. It aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sports and active living for community health and well-being. #BeActive encouraged sports for everyone, regardless of age, with the goal of healthier and happier citizens. European Week of Sport 2023, built on last year’s success, featured events in 40 countries, diverse activities, contests, and millions of enthusiastic participants.

The focus this year was on involvement, inclusion, and innovation, reflecting contemporary societal changes. This year’s European Week of Sport focused on various themes, including schools, workplaces, fitness centres, sports organizations, and community engagement through local governments and outdoor activities. In this regard, SportMalta organized two main events: the #BeActive Night, was held on Saturday 23^rd September at 18:30 at the Cottonera Sports Complex, emphasized fitness as the primary focus. The event commenced with a walk from Kalkara, followed by a fitness challenge with over 300 registered athletes, fitness sessions for the public, and a water polo tournament in an Olympic-sized pool.

The Main National Event, was held on Sunday afternoon at the Marsa Sports Grounds, transformed the grounds into a sports village featuring more than 20 different sporting disciplines. It was a fun activity for all those who attended to watch and take part in a different sport. This event included a variety of disciplines, from athletics, skateboarding, basketball 3×3, badminton, gymnastics, netball, judo, rugby, volleyball, billiard, table tennis and much more. Special Olympics also organised various sports for their member athletes, while a football tournament was also organised throughout the day.

In collaboration with SportMalta, various sports clubs and organizations also organized their own events, encouraging more and more people to be active through sports.

This year, SportMalta partnered with several fitness centres, which opened their doors for free sessions on Saturday, September 30th, with the aim of encouraging regular exercise

Recognizing that workplaces, schools, and homes have become places where people spent a significant portion of their time, SportMalta seized the opportunity to organize activities in these environments and brainstormed ideas on how individuals could remain active in such settings. To this end, SportMalta hosted various team-building physical activities in workplaces and the SportMalta National Schools Sports Day on October 13th, where schools across the nation are invited to participate.

Over the years, SportMalta had also produced numerous video clips under the #BeActiveAtHome initiative, catering for those who preferred to exercise in the comfort of their homes.

For a comprehensive list of all events happening during the European Week of Sport of this year, one could visit the website at sportmalta.mt Everyone was invited to join in any of these events as an opportunity to kickstart or expand their physical activity journey.

SportMalta is promoting sport and physical activity throughout the year and from early ages through the #BeActive campaigns. The aim is to raise awareness within society regarding the importance of physical activity and participation in sports. The European Commission aims for the European Week of Sport to promote more action in favour of physical activity.

SportMalta extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants who joined us in celebrating the European Week of Sport this year. Your enthusiasm and dedication to promoting physical activity and well-being have made this event a resounding success.

The next official activity for SportMalta is in October, the SportMalta National Schools Sports Day will be held in many schools.

SportMalta is actively promoting physical activity and sports participation by distributing merchandise for the European Week of Sport to local councils, sports organizations, and clubs. This initiative reflects SportMalta’s commitment to encouraging people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles. By providing these promotional materials, they aim to raise awareness and motivate communities to engage in sports and physical activities.

The distribution of merchandise not only fosters a sense of unity and involvement within local communities but also showcases the significance of collaboration between different stakeholders. Local councils, sports organizations, and clubs play pivotal roles in fostering a sports culture at the grassroots level. Through this distribution, SportMalta is extending its support to these entities, empowering them to organize events and initiatives that promote sports and physical well-being.

Ultimately, the goal is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace an active lifestyle, recognizing the numerous benefits it brings to both individuals and society as a whole. SportMalta’s efforts in distributing merchandise for the European Week of Sport contribute to a healthier and more active Malta.

So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to join in the festivities. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this inspiring movement towards a healthier and more active Europe!

Join the Movement and #Beactive!

Rose Marie Mercieca, Coordinator of the European Week of Sport within SportMalta, was delighted to announce the media coverage of the European Week of Sport for this year.

The European Week of Sport, held annually during the last week of September, is an initiative by the European Commission aimed at promoting physical activity through sports in all European Union member states. Recognizing the importance of combating sedentary lifestyles, the initiative emphasizes the need for regular and active living.

This year’s European Week of Sport focuses on various themes including schools, workplaces, fitness centers, sports organizations, and community engagement through local governments and outdoor activities. In this regard, SportMalta is organizing two flagship events: the BeActive Night, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:30 at the Cottonera Sports Complex, will emphasize fitness as the primary focus. The event will commence with a walk from Kalkara, followed by a fitness challenge with over 300 registered athletes, fitness sessions for the public, and a water polo tournament in an Olympic-sized pool. The main National Event, set for Sunday afternoon at the Marsa Sports Grounds, will transform the grounds into a sports village featuring more than 20 different sporting disciplines.

In collaboration with SportMalta, various sports clubs and organizations are also organizing their own events, encouraging more and more people to be active through sports.

This year, SportMalta is partnering with several fitness centers, opening their doors for free sessions on Saturday, September 30th, with the aim of encouraging regular exercise.

Recognizing that workplaces, schools, and homes have become places where people spend a significant portion of their time, SportMalta is seizing the opportunity to organize activities in these environments and brainstorming ideas on how individuals can remain active in such settings. To this end, SportMalta is hosting various team-building physical activities in workplaces and the SportMalta National Schools Sports Day on October 13th, where schools across the nation are invited to participate.

Over the years, SportMalta has also produced numerous video clips under the BeActiveAtHome initiative, catering to those who prefer to exercise in the comfort of their homes.

For a comprehensive list of all events happening during the European Week of Sport this year, please visit our website at sportmalta.mt. We invite everyone to join us in any of these events as an opportunity to kickstart or expand your physical activity journey.

The Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr. Matthew Vella, began by expressing his gratitude towards SportMalta for their dedicated efforts in promoting sports and ensuring that more people in Malta lead active and healthy lifestyles. He emphasized that SportMalta’s mission to raise awareness about the importance of sports and active living for community health and well-being is commendable.

Mr. Vella stressed that physical activity doesn’t necessarily mean engaging in competitive sports; it can also involve participating in activities available within local communities, as exemplified by the European Week of Sport organized by SportMalta.

Furthermore, he highlighted ongoing efforts to encourage physical activity among public sector employees in Valletta, with the aim of fostering greater activity levels and improved well-being.

Minister Hon Clifton Grima has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the dedicated employees of SportMalta for their exemplary efforts in promoting sports and physical activity.

In a recent statement, Minister Grima highlighted the crucial role of physical exercise in improving both mental and physical well-being. He emphasized that engaging in any form of physical activity greatly contributes to mental clarity and physical fitness.

Furthermore, Minister Grima emphasized the significance of the European Week of Sport, an annual event that is now a fixture on the calendar. SportMalta has been tirelessly working to convey a strong and vital message about the importance of sports and active living for community health and well-being.

Minister Grima concluded by reaffirming his gratitude to SportMalta’s workforce, acknowledging their relentless commitment to advancing sports and physical activity throughout the nation.

Depiro Summer School in collaboration with SportMalta as part of the
European Week of Sport and BeActive campaign has organized two sports
days on the 6 th and 7 th September in their schools in Mtarfa and Kirkop. A
total of 500 students had the opportunity to spend a whole day participating
in sports activities which focused on physical literacy skills namely agility,
balance, coordination and speed in a fun environment.

The program was split in various areas in the school, making maximization of
our infrastructural resources and use of community buildings such as Mtarfa
Local Council premises and parish building. They had the opportunity
participate in dance activities, teamwork activities and traditional games.
Popular sports activities where also included such as athletics, basketball,
volleyball, football and outdoors. All activities were tailor made and accessible
for all children in an inclusive environment.

A great opportunity for all kids was that they all had the chance to practice
the use of a skipping rope thanks to SportMalta. All the children were given a
skipping a rope so that they could keep doing physical activity at home with
their families.
Depiro Summer School is an extension of Depiro Sports Club educational
activities offered to all children in Summer and licensed by the Ministry for
Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation.

The Malta Weightlifting Association, in collaboration with SportMalta and the Marsaskala Local Council, organized the Street Weightlifting event at Marsaskala Promenade on Friday 1st September 2023 at 18:00 as part of the European Week of Sport 2023. The event attracted a significant number of the general public who came to witness the competition. Many young athletes participated in a competition with a unique format where each athlete had 30 seconds to lift the maximum weight in the Snatch and another 30 seconds to lift the maximum weight in the Clean and Jerk. Mixed teams of 6 athletes each competed against each other using the Sinclair point system. The winning team was Pyro Force with 5073 points, followed by Thunder Titans with 4725 points and Iron Claw with 4707 points.

The Best Male Athlete award was earned by Rylee Borg, who lifted 1245 kg in 1 minute and scored 1505 points. Tenishia Thornton emerged as the Women’s category winner by lifting 789 kg in 1 minute and scoring 1042 points.

1st Pyro Force Team (Rodmar Pulis 1502pts, Tenishia Thornton 1042pts, Rheanna Briffa 723pts, Mariah Grima 740pts, Matthias Mifsud 641pts, Roberta Cassar 425pts)

2nd Thunder Titans Team (Rylee Borg 1505pts, Kim Camilleri Lagana 937pts, Nathan Mifsud 817pts, Aaliyah Gatt 734pts, Luca Said 371pts, Sheldon Briffa 360pts)

3rd Iron Claw Team (Vlad Baldacchino 1219pts, Luke Treeby Ward 1019pts, Kaya Curmi Inguanez 903pts, Mariah Bugeja 721pts, Nathan Balzan 473pts, Larson Galea 371pts)

The Maltese shooter competed in the European Shotgun Championships in the skeet competition.

Marlon Attard, a Gozitan athlete who was representing Malta in the European Shooting Championships held in Osijek in Croatia, had a great performance that led him to win a silver medal in the skeet event.

Marlon Attard benefits from SportMalta’s Flexi Training Scheme, an initiative which assists athletes to train during working hours with the aim of achieving good results in competitions. He also benefits from the National Development and Social Fund through SportMalta. These athletes are at the top national level and show great potential in their sport.

The shooter opened the tournament with a display indicative of his potential in this competition, as he hit 74 of 75 targets, with a series of 25, 25 and 24. In the second series, he continued to build on this exhibition as he obtained a result of 49 out of 50, with a series of 25 and 24. Thus, he advanced to the final with a total of 123 out of 125 plates.

In the final, Attard continued to record points consistently, as he missed only four shots from the first four series. He finished the final with a total of 54 out of 60 plates, a substantial gap over the 45 of the Italian shooter Tammaro Cassandro, who finished the competition in third place.

However, this performance was not enough to get the gold, as the Greek shooter Charalambos Chaliadakis was in a phenomenal form that led him to take the maximum points, with 60 plates hit out of 60. Thus, he was the Greek who has qualified for the 2024 Olympics to be held in Paris.

Attard’s excellent warning and final result are considered to be the ultimate success ever achieved by a Maltese shooter in skeet, particularly considering the prestige of this competition. This result will certainly not perhaps continue to boost his morale that, in the following competitions, he also manages to obtain a qualification for next year’s Olympics.

Shooters Liam Sciberras and Clive Farrugia were the other Maltese shooters who competed in this competition. However, totals of 69 and 71 respectively were not enough for them to secure a place in the final.

SportMalta reaches out to Sports Federations, Associations, and Clubs, inviting them to join in the excitement of the 9th edition of the European Week of Sport. This event is all about celebrating the joy of physical activity and the many benefits it brings to individuals and communities. SportMalta believes that sports play a vital role in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, and they are eager to unite with various sports organizations to make this celebration memorable.

Through effective communication, SportMalta aims to foster a sense of unity and cooperation among these different sports entities. By coming together, they can showcase the diversity and richness of sports in Malta, and by participating in the European Week of Sport, they can share their passion and enthusiasm with a wider European audience. This not only promotes Malta’s sporting culture but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and collaboration across borders.

In joining this event, Sports Federations, Associations, and Clubs have an excellent opportunity to inspire people of all ages to get involved in sports and physical activities, emphasizing the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. SportMalta looks forward to a successful partnership with these organizations in making the 9th edition of the European Week of Sport a memorable and impactful experience for all.

Join the Movement and #Beactive

Bormla and Birgu won the Victory Day Regatta, which took place on Friday evening in the Grand Harbor.

The shield will be shared between the two teams for six months each, as they earned the same number of points.

Bormla won the shield for the twenty-sixth time in their history, while Birgu won it for the second time in their history.

For the first six months, Birgu will have the shield because they scored the most points, while in the second six months, the shield will be in the hands of the people from Bormla.

In Category A, Bormla and Birgu tied for first place with a total of 56 points, while Isla came in second with 26 points.

Additionally, Bormla also won Category B with a total of 80 points. Following them, Kalkara had 48 points, and Birżebbuġa had 24 points.

However, in the women’s rowing competition, Birgu emerged as the winners.

The traditional shield was presented by the Minister for Sport, Clifton Grima, who highlighted the significance of this sport. He emphasized the need to continue growing this sport and attracting more young people to ensure that this sporting tradition remains alive and well in our country.

This year’s regatta was marked by strong winds, causing some boats to capsize. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident.