As part of the SportMalta School Sports Day, San Lawrenz Primary School organised “The Fundamentals Circuit: Six Stations”, an engaging physical activity programme designed to promote movement, coordination, agility, balance, and the development of fundamental movement skills among pupils.

The initiative provided pupils with the opportunity to participate in a variety of practical activities that encouraged them to move, explore different physical challenges, and develop their abilities in a fun and supportive environment.

The activities were adapted to accommodate different ages and abilities, with opportunities to adjust the level of difficulty according to pupils’ developmental needs. This inclusive approach ensured that every child could participate at their own level, experience success and develop confidence in their physical abilities.

Beyond developing physical skills, the initiative aimed to encourage active participation, perseverance, cooperation, and enjoyment of movement. It also highlighted the importance of incorporating physical activity into everyday school life and establishing healthy, active habits from an early age.

San Lawrenz Primary School’s initiative reflects the objectives of SportMalta Schools Sports Day, which encourages schools across Malta and Gozo to celebrate sport and promote the benefits of physical activity within the educational environment. Through creative and accessible activities such as this circuit, pupils can develop essential movement skills while discovering that being active can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

As part of the SportMalta School Sports Day, held on Monday, 19 October 2026, St Patrick’s School Sliema organised a sports and healthy lifestyle event aimed at encouraging students to embrace physical activity, develop positive sporting values, and make healthier lifestyle choices.

The event kicked off with an inspiring talk by Mr Fabio Spiteri, who highlighted the importance of commitment in sport, emphasising the values of dedication, perseverance, and determination. His message encouraged students to recognise that success in sport, as in everyday life, requires consistent effort and a positive attitude.

The talk was followed by a one-hour fitness session during which students participated in circuit training comprising ten different exercises. Each exercise was explained and demonstrated, with particular attention given to correct technique, timing, and the benefits of each movement in improving physical fitness.

A key feature of the session was the selection of exercises that students could easily perform at home or outdoors, encouraging them to remain active beyond school hours and incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines. This practical approach reinforced the message that staying active does not always require specialised equipment or access to sporting facilities.

Following the fitness session, students enjoyed a healthy breakfast, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits alongside regular physical activity.

The programme continued with a one-hour sports session during which students were divided into two groups according to their preferences, choosing between basketball and football. The activities provided an opportunity for students to develop their sporting skills while encouraging teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

The initiative reflects the objectives of SportMalta Schools Sports Day, which encourages schools across Malta and Gozo to celebrate sport and highlight its important role in students’ physical, social, and personal development.

As part of the SportMalta Schools Sports Day, held on Monday, 19 October 2026, Dingli Primary School organised a Brain Gym activity to highlight the importance of physical movement in supporting students’ learning, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

In preparation for the event, informative posters were displayed around the school to raise awareness among students about the planned activities and the benefits of incorporating simple physical exercises into their daily routines.

On the day, enthusiastic students joined the school’s Physical Education teacher, Ms Kirsty Aquilina, to lead the school community through a series of Brain Gym exercises during the morning assembly. The activity brought together 257 students, who participated in enjoyable movements designed to encourage physical activity while supporting mental wellbeing.

Building on this initiative, Dingli Primary School is committed to incorporating more Brain Gym activities into classroom routines and morning assemblies. Through these regular opportunities for movement, the school aims to encourage active learning, improve students’ readiness to learn and nurture a healthy and active school community.

The initiative reflects the objectives of SportMalta Schools Sports Day, which encourages schools across Malta and Gozo to celebrate sport and promote the importance of physical activity within the educational environment. It also highlights how simple, accessible activities can help integrate movement into everyday school life, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

At Dingli Primary School, the message is clear: active bodies help nurture active minds!

As part of the SportMalta Schools Sports Day, held on Monday, 19 October 2026, Francis Ebejer Secondary School in Dingli highlighted its ongoing commitment to promoting sport, physical activity and student wellbeing through its Before School Sports Programme, an initiative that encourages students to start their day actively while fostering a sense of togetherness.

Under this year’s theme, “Togetherness” / “Flimkien”, approximately 130–140 students participated in the programme on the day, taking part in a range of sporting and physical activities designed to encourage movement, enjoyment and positive interaction among peers.

Unlike a one-day sporting event, the Before School Sports Programme takes place every morning before the start of the school day. It has become an established part of the school’s daily routine, providing students with regular opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity.

The programme offers a diverse selection of activities, including football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, fitness activities, gymnastics, rhythmic activities, soft archery, Walk for Peace and nature walks. This variety allows students to explore different forms of physical activity, discover new interests and participate according to their abilities and preferences.

The initiative at Francis Ebejer Secondary School reflects the spirit of SportMalta School Sports Day, which encourages schools across Malta and Gozo to celebrate sport and highlight its importance within the educational environment. While the day itself provides an opportunity to recognise the value of physical activity, initiatives such as this demonstrate how schools can sustain that commitment throughout the year.

Through its Before School Sports Programme, Francis Ebejer Secondary School continues to show how sport can bring students together, promote positive values and create a more active and inclusive school community.

SportMalta today marked the 2026 edition of the SportMalta School Sports Day (SSSD), an initiative that encourages children to embrace physical activity, sport and healthy lifestyles from an early age. A total of 45 schools took part this year, each organising physical activities within its own school environment.

As part of the day’s activities, the Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri visited Fgura Primary A, where he joined students in recognising the importance of promoting physical activity and sport in schools.

Activities Suited to Every School

The SportMalta School Sports Day gives schools the opportunity to organise activities suited to their students, facilities and resources, ensuring that participation is inclusive, enjoyable and accessible to all. Through the initiative, students experience the benefits of movement, teamwork, cooperation and social interaction in a positive school environment.

The initiative also highlights the role that schools and educators play in developing healthy habits among children. Regular physical activity from an early age can contribute to students’ physical and mental wellbeing and help establish habits that last throughout their lives.

Sport for Every Child

Sport is not only about competition or performance. It is also about participation, enjoyment, inclusion and personal development. The School Sports Day promotes the message that every child should have the opportunity to take part in physical activity, regardless of sporting ability.

Working Together

The participation of 45 schools reflects the continued collaboration between SportMalta, the Ministry for Education and Sport, schools and educators in creating opportunities for children to become more active. Together, these stakeholders can help build school environments in which sport and movement form part of everyday life.

SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar said that “SportMalta continues to encourage schools to play an active role in developing a healthier generation, reinforcing the message that every school can make a difference in promoting active and balanced lifestyles among young people.”

Malta delivered an impressive performance at the 12th Small States of Europe Karate Championships, securing 63 medals, including 12 gold, 13 silver and 38 bronze, to finish second in the overall medal standings.

Hosted by the Malta Karate Federation at the Cottonera Sports Complex between 9 and 11 October, the championships brought together 217 athletes from eight European nations: Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino.

Malta’s participation extended across all age categories, with 70 athletes representing the nation in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) disciplines, from U14 through to senior level.

Malta enjoyed particular success in kata, securing eight gold medals. Individual gold medallists included Francesca Saliba, Dawn Dimech, Jake Vella, Jenna Awad Attia and Jessica Vella. Three further gold medals were claimed in the Female Senior Team Kata, Female U18 Team Kata and Male U18 Team Kata categories, highlighting the strength and depth of Malta’s athletes across different age groups.

In kumite, Zenden Seychell, Thyis Antonelli and Heorhii Denysov secured individual gold medals, while Malta also claimed gold in the Male U16 Team Kumite category. Several other athletes delivered strong performances, contributing to Malta’s impressive medal tally across individual and team events.

Malta also distinguished itself by winning 38 bronze medals, the highest number achieved by any participating nation. Eight Maltese athletes secured three medals each, reflecting the consistency and competitive standard demonstrated throughout the championships.

Beyond the athletes’ achievements, the championships also marked an important milestone for MKF officials, with Tarek Al Halabi, Eleonora Conti, Jade Conti and Kayla Formosa successfully passing their refereeing examinations in both kata and kumite, qualifying as Small States of Europe Karate Federation Judges. This achievement represents another positive step in strengthening MKF’s technical expertise and developing qualified officials within the sport.

The championships were officially inaugurated by the Hon. Byron Camilleri, Minister for Education and Sport, during the Opening Ceremony held on 10 October. The ceremony also featured an address by Malta Karate Federation President Mr Kenneth Abela, gymnastics performances by participants from the Let’s Move Malta Gymnastics Hub, and a rendition of the Maltese National Anthem by Junior Eurovision winner Chanel Monseigneur.

Cyprus topped the final medal standings with 66 medals, including 23 gold, followed by Malta with 63 medals and Iceland in third place.

“The championships marked another significant achievement for the Malta Karate Federation, showcasing the dedication, talent and determination of our athletes and coaches, while recognising the invaluable contribution of our volunteers and helpers. Their collective efforts were instrumental in the success of the championships and further demonstrated our ability to host international sporting events,” commented Mr Kenneth Abela, President of the Malta Karate Federation.

Mr Abela expressed his sincere appreciation to SportMalta for its invaluable support throughout the organisation and delivery of the championships, recognising the dedication, professionalism and commitment of its team in contributing to the event’s success. He also extended his gratitude to the Maltese Olympic Committee, VisitMalta and the Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights for their valued support and contribution to this international sporting event.

The next edition of the Small States of Europe Karate Championships will take place in Montenegro in 2027.

As part of the REFS, Inspiring the Next Generation of Sport project, SportMalta organised a Roundtable Discussion bringing together sports officials, referees, umpires and representatives from various sports organisations to discuss the future of officiating in Malta.

The main aim of the discussion was to explore how more young people can be encouraged to take up roles as referees and umpires, while also identifying the challenges that may be preventing young people from entering and remaining within the field of sports officiating.

Participants shared their experiences and perspectives on the current situation, highlighting the importance of understanding the needs of young officials and creating a more supportive and attractive pathway into refereeing and umpiring.

The discussion also provided an opportunity to identify areas that could be improved, including recruitment, training, development opportunities, support and the overall experience of young referees and officials.

Through this initiative, SportMalta aims to strengthen collaboration with sports organisations and those directly involved in officiating, while gathering valuable insights that can contribute towards developing sustainable solutions for the future.

The feedback and recommendations gathered during the Roundtable will support the ongoing work of the REFS project and contribute towards inspiring and supporting the next generation of referees and umpires in Malta.

SportMalta launched the School Sports Day 2026 today with a presentation recognising schools that took part in last year’s edition. The initiative forms part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign. The event was attended by Minister Hon. Byron Camilleri, who handed out certificates to the participating schools in acknowledgement of their involvement in the 2025 School Sports Day.

Most Outstanding School Award

The award for Most Outstanding School was presented to St Monica School Birkirkara, which was recognised for its unique approach during last year’s edition. Students took part in a circuit of sports stations including gymnastics, archery, football, stilts, tennis, scooters and obstacle courses.

The students also embraced the spirit of inclusion through Paralympic-themed activities such as goalball, paravolley, blindfold obstacle races and a “Walk the Mile for All” event, emphasising that sport is for everyone, regardless of ability.

Highlights included a Year 9 student who shared her passion for motor sport by presenting her motorbike and racing experiences to her peers. Another student gave a karting demonstration and encouraged more girls to try the sport.

Equipment for All Schools

At the end of the presentation, each participating school was given sporting equipment in recognition of its participation in last year’s School Sports Day.

Encouraging Activity During School Hours

SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar said, “This initiative continues to encourage students all over Malta and Gozo to partake in physical activity during school hours.”

School Sports Day 2026 will start on 19 October 2026 and forms part of SportMalta’s ongoing work to promote physical activity among children and young people across Malta and Gozo.

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