As part of the Celebrating Sport in Malta 2026 initiative, SportMalta brought together the country’s sporting community for two landmark events that highlighted the power of sport as a driver of national development. A high-level conference and the prestigious SportMalta Recognition Night 2026 provided a platform for dialogue, learning and celebration, uniting federations, associations, clubs, volunteers and key stakeholders. Together, these events showcased Malta’s commitment to sustainability, inclusion, innovation and excellence, while recognising the individuals and organisations shaping the future of sport across the islands.

SportMalta hosted a landmark conference as part of the Celebrating Sport in Malta 2026 initiative, bringing together federations, associations, clubs and key stakeholders for a day of dialogue, learning and recognition. Held at the Excelsior Hotel, the conference set the tone for the years ahead by focusing on sustainability, funding, inclusion and the future of Maltese sport at every level.

The conference was officially opened by Dr Lydia Abela, who addressed all those present and highlighted the importance of sport as a driver of wellbeing, social cohesion and national pride, noting that sport plays a vital role in nurturing both physical and mental health while strengthening community bonds and a shared sense of national identity. She emphasised that investing in sport is an investment in healthier communities and a stronger society.

SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar also addressed participants, outlining the entity’s continued commitment to supporting sports organisations throughout their development journey and explaining that, through its schemes and initiatives, SportMalta aims to provide the necessary tools, resources and opportunities for Maltese sport to continue growing both locally and internationally.

This was followed by an address from the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Mr Matthew Vella, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the sector and stressed that close collaboration with SportMalta and all stakeholders remains essential to ensure that sport continues to be a key pillar within the national strategy, supporting participation, excellence and long-term sustainability across all levels of sport.

A key highlight of the programme was the expert presentation titled “Navigating the EU Funding Maze, Pathways Every Sport Organisation Should Know” delivered by Mr Fabio Silva, Senior Policy Officer at the Institute of Sport and Youth in Portugal. Mr Silva provided a clear and practical overview of how sports bodies can better access and utilise European Union funding. He explained the main EU instruments most relevant to sport, including Erasmus+ Sport, which supports grassroots sport, integrity, inclusion and mobility, European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), which can fund skills, employability and social inclusion projects linked to sport, and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which can support sport-related infrastructure and innovation.

Mr Silva also stressed the importance of aligning project ideas with EU priorities such as sustainability, digitalisation, equality and youth participation. He guided organisations through the typical funding cycle, from needs analysis and partnership building to proposal writing, budgeting, implementation and reporting, and shared practical tips on how small and medium sized sports organisations can compete successfully at European level by forming strategic partnerships and focusing on high impact, community driven projects.

This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion titled “From Local Action to European Support, Unlocking EU Funding Opportunities.” The panel brought together three professionals who approach EU funding from complementary perspectives, Mr Peter Busuttil, Head of Football Social Responsibility at the Malta Football Association, Ms Rose Marie Mercieca, Director Corporate Services at SportMalta and Mr Brian Schembri, Programme Manager at EUPA Malta.

The discussion explored how local clubs and federations can translate their everyday activities into fundable European projects. Mr Busuttil shared how football’s strong community reach makes it an ideal platform for EU-funded initiatives in areas such as social inclusion, youth development and anti-discrimination. Ms Mercieca outlined SportMalta’s role in guiding organisations through compliance, governance and financial management, all essential to becoming EU-funding ready. Mr Schembri explained EUPA’s support structures, including information sessions, partner searches and technical assistance, which help applicants improve the quality and success rate of their proposals. Together, the panel emphasised that EU funding is not just about money, but about building sustainable structures, professionalising operations and creating long-term impact.
Another valuable contribution came from Mr Kurt Formosa, who spoke about “The Role of Komunità Malta in Supporting Sport Organisations.” In his intervention, Mr Formosa explained how Komunità Malta works closely with voluntary organisations to strengthen governance, transparency and community engagement. He highlighted the importance of good administration, safeguarding, and inclusive practices, and showed how these areas not only improve the credibility of sports bodies but also make them more attractive to national and European funders. Komunità Malta, he noted, acts as a bridge between sport and the wider voluntary sector, ensuring that clubs can better serve their members and their communities.

The conference also addressed the evolving international dimension of Maltese sport through a focused session on “Talent Without Borders, Foreign Athletes and the Future of Local Sport.” This discussion examined how the presence of foreign athletes can raise competitive standards, introduce new expertise and create cultural exchange, while also highlighting the need to protect and develop local talent. The session underlined the importance of balanced policies that promote integration, fair competition and opportunities for Maltese athletes, ensuring that international participation strengthens rather than displaces the local sporting ecosystem.

In his closing remarks, SportMalta Chairman Mr Matthew Pisani praised the entity’s employees for their dedication and commitment, and thanked all federations, associations and clubs for their invaluable voluntary work. He underlined that the financial assistance being provided represents a real boost for the entire sector, enabling organisations to continue improving standards, investing in people and delivering better services to athletes and communities across Malta and Gozo.

The SportMalta Recognition Night 2026, celebrating sport in Malta, took place as a prestigious evening dedicated to honouring individuals and organisations that had made outstanding contributions to the Maltese sporting landscape. The event brought together key figures from government, national federations, athletes, administrators, volunteers, and stakeholders who had worked tirelessly to elevate sport across the island.

The event brought together representatives from government, national federations, athletes, administrators, volunteers and key stakeholders, reflecting the collective effort behind Malta’s sporting development. Hosted by Pamela Schembri and Gilmor Agius, the ceremony placed emphasis on the wider social impact of sport, in line with SportMalta’s mission to use sport as a driver of wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability and national development.

Investment in high-quality infrastructure was recognised through the award presented to the Malta Tennis and Padel Federation represented by Dr Marc Gingell Littlejohn, for collaborating with SportMalta to build a high-level sporting venue. The modern facility improved training and competition opportunities for athletes while supporting the continued growth of tennis and padel in Malta, reinforcing the importance of long-term development.

Sport’s role in promoting environmental responsibility was highlighted through the recognition of the European Aquatics Waterpolo Champions League Final 4 Malta 2025 Local Organising Committee, for raising awareness about the environment through a sporting event. By integrating sustainability initiatives into a major international competition, the organisers demonstrated how sport could promote eco-conscious behaviour and environmental awareness.

Professor Charmaine Gauci received recognition for her dedication to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the workplace. Her efforts highlighted the importance of regular exercise in improving both physical and mental wellbeing. Through national campaigns and public health initiatives at the workplace, Prof Gauci had encouraged employees to adopt healthier habits, contributing to a more productive and resilient workforce across Malta.

For her commitment to using sport as a tool for inclusion, Dr Lydia Abela was honoured. Her initiatives focus through Special Olympics Malta on engaging minority groups and providing equal opportunities for participation in physical activity. By supporting programmes that welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, Dr Abela helped foster social integration and demonstrated how sport could break down barriers and promote unity.

Malta’s growing international sporting profile was recognised through the award presented to the Rolex Middle Sea Race, for putting Malta on the international sporting map. The prestigious offshore yacht race continued to attract elite sailors and global media attention, showcasing Malta’s maritime heritage and strengthening its reputation as a world-class sporting destination.

Dedication to SportMalta’s values was honoured through the recognition of Rita Carbonaro, for her unwavering work towards athletes and the community. Her work with Frame Football Malta promoted inclusive participation for individuals with disabilities, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to accessibility and opportunity.

Community engagement and generosity were celebrated with the award to Norbert Grixti, for fostering generosity and community through sport. Through the Santa Swim initiative, sport was used as a platform to support charitable causes while strengthening social bonds within the community. His efforts highlighted how sport could extend beyond competition to become a powerful force for positive social change.

During the recognition night Pierre Brincat was honoured for his strong leadership and continuous support for Women’s Football in Malta. His contributions has helped create opportunities for women athletes to grow, develop, and succeed. His vision and commitment had left a lasting impact on the women’s football sector, inspiring future generations of leaders.

Lifelong service to sport was honoured through the recognition of Anna Calleja, for lifelong dedication to Maltese sport through Special Olympics Malta. Over the years, she had contributed tirelessly to the development and inclusion of athletes, programmes, and sporting structures through Special Olympics Malta.

SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani addressed those present, highlighting the organisation’s continued commitment to strengthening Malta’s sporting ecosystem through investment, collaboration, and long-term strategic planning. He emphasised the importance of recognising not only sporting success, but also the people and values that sustained Maltese sport.

Underlining the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar focused on SportMalta’s operational achievements and future vision. He expressed the value of ensuring that sport remained accessible to all, while continuing to raise standards across the sector.

The ceremony was officially closed by the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, who commended the award recipients for their dedication and contributions. He highlighted sport’s role in promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening national identity and positioning Malta as a respected sporting nation internationally.

The SportMalta Recognition Night 2026 concluded as a powerful reminder that sport in Malta was about more than competition. It was about community, opportunity, wellbeing and social impact. Through the stories shared and the awards presented, the evening reinforced SportMalta’s mission to ensure that sport remained a force for positive change across Maltese society.

As the festive season approaches, we at SportMalta would like to extend our warmest wishes to all our members, coaches, volunteers, helpers, officials, administrators, and everyone involved in Maltese sport. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout the year continue to play a vital role in strengthening sport at all levels, and we thank you for being an essential part of our sporting community.

We would also like to inform everyone that SportMalta complexes will be closed during the festive period as outlined below:

• Cottonera Sport Complex: 24–26 December and 31 December–2 January 2026
• Ta’ Kandja Shooting Range: 24 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, reopening on 3 January 2026
• Snooker Academy: Closed until 4 January 2026, reopening on Monday 5 January 2026
• Marsa Sport Complex: 24–26 December and 31 December–2 January 2026
• National Pool Complex: 24 December to Friday 2 January
• Kirkop Sport Complex: 24–26 December and 31 December–2 January

We encourage all users to plan accordingly. We wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a successful, healthy New Year

At SportMalta, we officially kicked off the festive season with the lighting of our Christmas tree. But the highlight of the day was having the pleasure of hosting Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro, a man who truly needs no introduction. As always, he shared a few words with us, delivering a heartfelt message that left a positive impact on everyone present. His wisdom is not only meaningful during this time of year, but something we will continue to treasure throughout our lives. In the spirit of giving, SportMalta employees continued with their long-standing tradition of coming together to support those in need. Over the years, this initiative has become an integral part of our festive activities, one that reflects not just generosity, but a genuine sense of community and solidarity. Staff members from different departments unite with a shared purpose, contributing food items that will bring comfort and relief to families facing hardship during the holidays.

This year, all the food that will be collected will be donated to the Millennium Chapel, an organisation that tirelessly supports vulnerable individuals and provides a safe haven for those seeking assistance. By choosing the Millennium Chapel as the beneficiary of our collection, we are proud to contribute to their ongoing mission of compassion, outreach, and dignity. Moments like these remind us of the true essence of the Christmas season, kindness, gratitude, and service. As we celebrate together, we are also reminded of our responsibility to uplift others, and initiatives like this help us ensure that the warmth of the festive season reaches beyond our offices and into the wider community. Through these collective efforts, we hope to inspire more acts of goodwill and continue building a culture of support.

Today, SportMalta had the honour of welcoming the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glen Micallef, to the Cottonera Sport Complex for an official visit focused on the development, impact, and future direction of sport in Malta.

The visit provided an important opportunity to present the evolution of SportMalta from its early beginnings to its current role as a central entity driving sport development across the Maltese Islands. During the tour, Commissioner Micallef was given an in-depth overview of the organisation’s achievements, strategic growth, and the extensive work being carried out to support athletes, sporting organisations, grassroots initiatives and how SportMalta has grown into a key contributor to national well-being, social inclusion, and community engagement through sport. SportMalta also outlined its vision for the future, presenting several upcoming projects aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure, increasing participation, and enhancing talent development. These initiatives are designed to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and innovation within the Maltese sporting sector, while responding to the evolving needs of society and future generations.

A key part of the discussions focused on potential collaborations between SportMalta and the European Union. Both parties explored opportunities to work together on initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and physical activities. These collaborations aim to support policies and programmes that encourage active participation across all age groups, while also creating pathways for education, training, and professional development within the sports community.

Commissioner Micallef was also briefed on SportMalta’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that sport remains accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. Through partnerships at both national and European levels, SportMalta continues to work towards offering equal opportunities within sport, empowering communities, and supporting long-term public health objectives. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening ties between SportMalta and European institutions, reinforcing the role of sport as a powerful tool for positive social change. SportMalta remains dedicated to building a stronger, more active, and healthier Maltese population, while contributing to broader European goals in sport, youth engagement, and community development

On Saturday 13th December, we proudly celebrated the success of our young athletes at the Wonderland Event, a truly memorable occasion that highlighted talent, dedication, and the power of sport to inspire. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Marsa Sport Complex, this event was a resounding success and a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with excitement, pride, and joy, as families, coaches, and supporters came together to witness our young athlete’s shine. The Wonderland Event formed part of the Let’s Move Malta programme, an initiative that continues to encourage children to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle through sport and physical activity. Throughout the event, we witnessed incredible performances from young athletes who showcased not only their sporting abilities, but also their discipline, determination, and passion. Their enthusiasm and confidence were a true reflection of the guidance and encouragement they receive both on and off the field.

All participating children were awarded a medal along with commemorative gifts to mark this special occasion and to recognise their efforts and achievements. These tokens of appreciation served as a reminder that every child who took part is a winner, and that participation, perseverance, and teamwork are at the heart of sporting success. Medals were presented by SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar, SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani, and Director of Corporate Services Rose Marie Mercieca, whose presence further underlined the importance of this event.

During the event, we also witnessed an exciting Obstacle Course challenge, where children aged between 6 and 10, together with an advanced group, demonstrated remarkable skill, agility, and confidence. These young athletes have been consistently training and developing their abilities at SportMalta facilities, including the Cottonera Sport Complex, National Pool Sport Complex, Mosta Sport Complex, and Marsa Sport Complex. Their progress and performance are a direct result of structured training programmes delivered under the guidance and assistance of SportMalta’s professional coaches, whose expertise and dedication continue to raise standards and nurture future sporting talent.

Most importantly, we proudly praise the athletes themselves and their parents. It is thanks to their dedication, encouragement, and continuous support that we are witnessing such success. The commitment shown by families plays a vital role in shaping confident, resilient, and motivated young athletes.

A big well done to everyone involved in organising this wonderful event, and especially to our talented young athletes who made the day so special.

Timmy Cutugno.

SportMalta’s latest initiative, the Mobility Project, Elevating Sports Management in Malta, set out with a clear goal, to strengthen how sports facilities across the country are managed and operated. To achieve this, a team from SportMalta travelled to Portugal to learn from some of the best examples of sports facility management in Europe. The project focused on understanding how top sports centres are run, how they support athletes, engage local communities, and remain financially and environmentally sustainable.

Portugal proved to be an excellent learning ground as this visit included sports centres like Rio Maior, known for its impressive integrated setup, combining training grounds, accommodation, sports science labs, and medical services all in one place. This centralised model not only improves efficiency but also gives athletes a better overall experience. One key takeaway was Portugal’s commitment to sustainability. Facilities use simple but effective energy saving tools, such as pool covers and LED lighting, which help reduce costs. Preventive maintenance systems and digital attendance tracking were also highlighted as best practices that keep operations organised and transparent.

A standout feature of Portugal’s approach is its strong support for dual-career athletes, those balancing sports and education, by offering flexible learning schedules and close partnerships between schools, universities, and sports bodies, athletes can pursue their academic goals without sacrificing training time. This integration ensures that sporting talent is nurtured without limiting future career opportunities. The Portuguese model also places great emphasis on community engagement. Local councils work closely with national sports authorities to promote “sport for all,” ensuring that everyone, from children to older adults has access to affordable and inclusive programmes. This not only boosts participation but also builds a lasting culture of health and community connection.

Financial sustainability was another important lesson. Many Portuguese facilities generate revenue through complementary activities like leisure parks, international training camps, and tournaments. This income allows them to offer free or low cost programmes for local communities while remaining self-sufficient. Governance in Portugal is coordinated by the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ), which manages sports development nationwide through structured programmes and digital systems. These promote transparency, efficiency, and performance tracking. Across all the centres visited, professionalism and high operational standards were clearly visible.

While Portugal enjoys larger campuses and more available land, Malta’s challenge lies in maximising limited space creatively. The Portuguese model also benefits from strong collaboration between national and municipal entities, something Malta could expand on through deeper partnerships with local councils and other entities. Another opportunity for Malta is in integrating athlete accommodation and sports science services within local facilities, a model that proved highly effective in Portugal. Additionally, adopting a hybrid funding system, where facilities combine public investment with revenue from camps, events, or leisure services, could enhance financial resilience. Educational integration is another area for growth. Partnering with Maltese Educational institutions could better support student athletes in balancing their studies with their sporting ambitions.

The Mobility Project achieved, and even surpassed, its initial objectives. The SportMalta team gained valuable insights into sustainable management, integrated athlete services, and community engagement. The study also revealed how revenue generation through sports tourism and leisure activities can secure long-term stability while keeping programmes affordable. At the same time, the project identified areas where Malta can continue to grow such as developing athlete accommodation, integrated performance hubs, and structured dual-career support systems. Importantly, it also underlined the need for ongoing staff development.

One of the most rewarding outcomes was the establishment of a long-term partnership between SportMalta and Portuguese sports authorities. Future plans include reciprocal visits, joint workshops, and collaborative projects focused on governance, sustainability, and digital transformation. This relationship promises continued mutual learning and innovation between the two nations.

Looking forward, Malta can apply several key lessons from Portugal. Integrating training, accommodation, and sports science will create a more complete support system for athletes. Embracing sustainability measures will lower operational costs, while diversifying revenue through camps, events, and leisure services will build financial resilience. Strengthening dual-career pathways and empowering local councils to run inclusive community programmes will encourage participation at all levels. Digital tools can help improve scheduling, data collection, and reporting, making facility management smoother and efficient. Finally, developing multi-sport hubs and promoting a culture of operational excellence will raise the standard of Maltese sports facilities and make them accessible to all.

The Mobility Project has shown how effective governance, sustainability, and community involvement can elevate a nation’s sports system. For Malta, the path forward lies in creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Through this partnership with Portugal, SportMalta has taken a major step toward building a more integrated, sustainable, and community centred model of sports management, one that supports both elite athletes and everyday citizens alike. Ultimately, this project strengthens the vision of developing multipurpose, one-stop sports facilities that make sport a central pillar of Maltese life.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, St Thomas More College, Dun Ġużepp Żerafa Fgura Primary A proudly joined the national SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025 with two exciting and educational events aimed at promoting physical activity, inclusion, and fun.
All students from Year 1 to Year 3 participated in a dynamic Sports Day circuit, rotating through various activity stations that supported the development of fundamental movement skills such as running, hopping, balancing, and throwing. Based on the Ready-Set-Play framework, these activities encouraged teamwork, perseverance, and enjoyment while helping children strengthen their coordination and physical literacy.
Meanwhile, Kinder 1 and Kinder 2 pupils enjoyed balance-bike sessions designed to introduce them to early cycling skills in a safe and playful environment. These sessions helped young learners improve their confidence, balance, and gross motor coordination.
The day was a wonderful celebration of movement, learning, and joy, showing how staying active can build healthy habits, confidence, and community spirit from the earliest years.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, St. Thomas More College Tarxien Middle School proudly joined schools across Malta in celebrating the SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025, a day dedicated to promoting physical activity, teamwork, and fun among students.
Throughout the day, students took part in a variety of sports and physical challenges designed to encourage movement, cooperation, and a positive attitude toward health and fitness. The event created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, fair play, and strong school spirit.
The celebration truly reflected the goals of the European Week of Sport, inspiring students to #BeActive, stay healthy, and embrace sport as a source of energy, confidence, and connection.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, St. Margaret College Secondary School Verdala proudly celebrated the SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025 with a special focus on Para Sports and the values of inclusion, respect, and teamwork.

This year’s event had a profound impact on students, as they were introduced to Para Sports such as goalball and athletics for individuals with visual impairments. Through these activities, students experienced first-hand the challenges and strengths involved in adaptive sports, fostering empathy and understanding while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for everyone.

The event not only encouraged physical activity but also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in sport, showing that movement and participation are for all, regardless of ability.