An aerobics session for elderly residents of Santa Lucija and Ta’ Xbiex was held on Saturday 12 September in Ta’ Xbiex, as part of the European Week of Sport 2026 activities. The session gave participants the opportunity to take part in light, group-based physical activity in a friendly and welcoming setting.

The session was designed to suit a range of abilities, encouraging older adults to keep active at their own pace. Regular movement remains an important part of healthy ageing, and community-based sessions such as this make it easier for residents to take part close to home.

Breakfast and Time Together

Following the session, participants stayed on for breakfast, which gave them the chance to socialise and spend time together. The gathering allowed residents from both localities to meet, talk and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere.

Staying Active in the Community

The initiative reflects the aims of the European Week of Sport, which encourages people of all ages to be active and to make sport and physical activity part of everyday life. By combining exercise with social interaction, the session highlighted that being active can also mean staying connected with others in the community.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

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SportMalta invites families, young people and the wider community to join the European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night — free of charge

SportMalta is inviting everyone to come along, get active and enjoy an evening of sport, entertainment and community spirit as the European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the Kirkop Sports Complex from 17:00 onwards.

Entry is completely free of charge, with families, children, young people, adults, athletes and people of all abilities encouraged to attend and take part in the wide range of activities being offered throughout the evening.

The event forms part of the European Week of Sport, an initiative of the European Commission aimed at encouraging people across Europe to become more physically active and adopt a more active lifestyle.

The Kirkop Sports Complex will come alive with the participation of more than 20 sports organisations and disciplines, providing the public with an opportunity to discover the variety of sports available in Malta, meet sporting organisations and, most importantly, have a go themselves.

Visitors will be able to experience activities including basketball, volleyball, tennis, rugby, handball, athletics, gymnastics, BMX, pickleball, martial arts, kickboxing, Special Olympics and water polo/splashball, among others.

The programme will also feature an Indoor Regatta Competition and the #BeActive Hybrid Sprint, combining running with functional fitness exercises for participants looking to test their skills and fitness.

Adding further variety to the evening will be a demonstration by the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme, highlighting the importance of movement and physical activity among children and young people.

Something for everyone

The event has been designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities. Whether visitors are already involved in sport or simply looking for a fun and active evening with family and friends, there will be opportunities to participate, discover new activities and learn more about the sporting opportunities available in Malta.

As the evening continues, #BeActive Night will bring together sport, physical activity and entertainment in an extended programme featuring hybrid racing, CPD, weightlifting, abseiling, skateboarding, inflatables, VR experiences, dance and other activities.

Participants will also be presented with a certificate of participation, recognising their involvement in the European Week of Sport and their commitment to taking part in physical activity.

The evening will then move into its entertainment finale with a live concert featuring Janvil, Aiden and Martina, giving the public another reason to stay on and enjoy the atmosphere at the Kirkop Sports Complex.

Come along and #BeActive

SportMalta is making a clear invitation to the public: bring your family, invite your friends and spend your Saturday evening being active, discovering sport and enjoying live entertainment — all free of charge.

The European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and experience first-hand the many ways in which sport and physical activity can form part of everyday life.

The initiative reflects SportMalta’s commitment to increasing participation in physical activity, creating opportunities for people to discover sport and strengthening collaboration between Malta’s national sports administration, sporting organisations and the wider community.

Everyone is welcome. Come along, try something new, get active and be part of the celebration

SportMalta officially launched this year’s European Week of Sport on Monday 14 September at Sala Teddie Borg, Cottonera Sports Complex. The launch marks the eleventh consecutive year that Malta has taken part in the European Commission initiative, which runs from 23 to 30 September and encourages participation in sport regardless of age, background or fitness level.

The event opened with a recap of last year’s European Week of Sport, before moving to remarks from key figures involved in this year’s campaign and an introduction to its ambassadors.

National Coordinator Rose Marie Mercieca Introduces the Campaign

National Coordinator for the European Week of Sport, Rose Marie Mercieca, formally introduced this year’s campaign, outlining the programme of activities planned across schools, local communities and sporting organisations.

SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar Addresses Importance of the Campaign

SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar spoke about the importance of taking up sport and physical activity, underlining SportMalta’s commitment to making Malta a more active nation.

Campaign Ambassadors Katryna Esposito and Sasha Gatt

This year’s European Week of Sport ambassadors, Katryna Esposito and Sasha Gatt, were introduced during the event. Both ambassadors shared a similar message, encouraging people not to be afraid to start, urging them to find a physical activity they enjoy and to try to keep it up every day, noting that staying active carries lasting benefits for one’s life.

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri Delivers Official Address

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri delivered the official address, highlighting the beneficial impact of sport and physical activity on health and wellbeing. He said that everyone, regardless of age, should take part in physical activity in some form, noting that the European Week of Sport helps people to move more and to lead a better life, both physically and mentally.

Campaign Officially Launched

The event closed with a promotional video marking the official start of European Week of Sport 2026. Organisers called on the public to take part in whichever way suits them, whether through sport, physical activity, or simply taking a first step towards a more active lifestyle.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Barracudas Sports Club marked the European Week of Sport with a Sports and Fun Day held on Sunday, 6 September 2026, bringing together participants of different ages and generations through a full day of exercise, sport and community activity. The day combined an educational session, competitive races and water polo matches, catering to age groups ranging from young children to those aged 55 and over.

The programme was designed to underline the importance of an active lifestyle at every stage of life, pairing lighter, family-oriented activities for younger participants with sessions specifically aimed at encouraging older adults to stay engaged in sport and regular exercise.

Session Highlights the Importance of Staying Active After 50

The day began with an informative session on the importance of regular exercise for people aged 50 and over. The session was led by professional physiotherapist and fitness instructor Steven Micallef, who shared advice on staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as participants get older.

Races and Water Polo for Younger Participants

This was followed by a series of races for children aged between 6 and 16, with a good number of youngsters taking part in a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Once the races concluded, the children had the opportunity to cool off and have some fun in the water with a water polo match.

Water Polo Match for Participants Aged 55 and Over

To conclude the day, and to further emphasise the importance of staying active at an older age, Barracudas Sports Club organised a water polo match for participants aged 55 and over. The match gave some participants the opportunity to return to a sport they love, competing alongside their peers and enjoying the game in a relaxed, sociable setting.

A Day Bringing Together Different Generations

Overall, the Sports and Fun Day was a success, bringing together different generations through sport, exercise, fun and community spirit, while promoting the importance of an active lifestyle at every age. Medals and SportMalta merchandise were provided to all participants.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

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White Hart Hockey Club marked the end of the summer with a morning of hockey, fun and community on Saturday 5th September, bringing together around 100 people, including young players, parents and coaches. The event was organised as an opportunity for children and young people to come together through sport in an inclusive and supportive setting.

Players of different levels of experience took part, ranging from those discovering hockey for the first time to those already developing their skills and passion for the sport. The morning was built around energy, enjoyment and participation, with the club’s growing team of coaches, together with the involvement of parents, helping to create a positive atmosphere throughout.

A Morning Built Around Participation and Fun

The event catered to a wide range of experience levels, giving newcomers a first introduction to the sport while allowing more established young players the chance to continue building on their skills. The mix of beginners and more experienced participants, playing alongside one another, reflected the club’s broader focus on accessibility and enjoyment as the foundation for long-term development.

Coaches and Parents Central to the Atmosphere

The involvement of parents and the commitment of White Hart Hockey Club’s growing coaching team were central to the morning, with both playing a role in creating an environment where participants could take part, learn and enjoy being part of the hockey community. The event underlined the extent to which the club’s activities depend on that combination of coaching structure and family engagement.

Encouraging a Stronger Sporting Community

The focus of the event was on participation, enjoyment and development through hockey, giving young people the opportunity to be active, learn new skills, build confidence and develop values such as teamwork, respect and fair play. Beyond the morning itself, the event was also intended to encourage more children and families to get involved in sport, contributing to a stronger, healthier and more active sporting community.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

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Ghajnsielem Local Council marked this year’s European Week of Sport with a Traditional Sports Games evening, held as part of the Europe-wide #BeActive campaign encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in physical activity. The event drew a strong turnout from the local community, with over 120 participants taking part across the evening.

The European Week of Sport is an annual initiative promoted by the European Commission, aimed at encouraging participation in sport and physical activity regardless of age, background or fitness level. Local councils across Malta and Gozo take part in the campaign each year through community-based events, and Ghajnsielem’s contribution this year took the form of a traditional games evening designed to be accessible to families and residents of all ages.

A Well-Attended Evening of Traditional Games

The Traditional Sports Games event brought together residents for an evening centred on games with local and generational roots, offering a lighter, family-oriented alternative to more structured sporting formats. Organisers described the turnout and atmosphere as a success, with participants of different ages taking part alongside one another throughout the evening.

Welcoming Young Guests from Ukraine

Among those taking part in the evening was a group of ten children from Ukraine, currently living in areas near the border with Russia, who have lost their parents as a result of the war. As a gesture of welcome, the group was presented with SportMalta backpacks containing additional merchandise, a small token intended to mark their participation in the event alongside the local community.

Community Spirit at the Heart of the Campaign

Events of this kind reflect the way the #BeActive campaign is carried forward at a local level, with councils across Malta and Gozo using the European Week of Sport as an opportunity to bring residents together through informal, inclusive activity. Ghajnsielem’s Traditional Sports Games evening added a further, more personal dimension to that spirit of inclusion, with the presence and welcome extended to the visiting children from Ukraine standing out as a particular highlight of the evening.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

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The Malta Employees Sport Association (MESA) held its Awards Presentation for the 2025/26 season on Thursday 27 August, recognising the achievements and commitment shown by athletes, teams and members across the year. Among those honoured was SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar, who received the President’s Award in recognition of his contribution to the association over the season.

The presentation brought together athletes, coaches, officials and partner organisations for an occasion centred on celebrating participation and achievement within the MESA community. VisitMalta and Malta International Airport were acknowledged as official partners of the association.

President’s Award Presented to Mark Cutajar

Mr Cutajar was presented with the President’s Award for the 2025/26 season, one of the evening’s individual recognitions.

Recognising a Season of Achievement

Beyond the President’s Award, the presentation featured further honours across the season, with additional trophies and recognitions presented to teams and individuals for their achievements throughout the year.

A Platform for Malta’s Employee Sport Community

MESA continues to serve as a structure through which sport is organised and promoted among employees across various sectors in Malta. Occasions such as the Awards Presentation give the association the opportunity to mark the season’s conclusion while highlighting the role that structured participation plays in sustaining engagement across its membership.

The recognition given to Mr Cutajar reflects SportMalta’s continued involvement in supporting employee sport initiatives, alongside its broader remit across national sports coordination.

Participants from SportMalta’s Let’s Move Malta summer programme took part in a dedicated Health Day, held at the Kirkop Sports Complex on 17 August and at Tal Qroqq Sports Complex on 18 August. The initiative formed part of the programme’s broader focus on encouraging healthy, active lifestyles among children, young people and adults taking part across Malta and Gozo this summer.

Alongside the sporting activities that form the core of Let’s Move Malta, the Health Day introduced an educational and wellbeing dimension, combining physical activity with practical guidance on sun safety and nutrition. All sessions across both days were delivered by the programme’s own coaches.

Sun Safety and Nutrition Awareness

A representative from ProHealth gave participants a talk on the importance of wearing sunscreen, reflecting the relevance of sun protection during Malta’s summer months. Sunscreen samples and fruit were distributed to participants as part of the session, reinforcing the day’s practical, hands-on approach to health education.

A separate nutritional talk was also held, giving participants guidance on healthy eating habits alongside the physical activities on offer. The session included a quiz game, adding an interactive element to the nutritional guidance provided.

A Full Programme of Activities

The Health Day featured a varied schedule of activities across both venues, including aqua fitness sessions, a football session and dancing sessions, all led by the coaching team.

Let’s Move Malta merchandise was handed out to participants over the course of the two days, adding to the range of activities and initiatives on offer at both venues.

Part of a Wider Summer Programme

The Health Day reflects Let’s Move Malta’s broader approach of combining sporting activity with wider health messaging, giving participants exposure to healthy habits that extend beyond the sessions themselves. As the programme continues across its seven centres in Malta and Gozo, initiatives of this kind add a further layer to SportMalta’s efforts to promote a more active and health-conscious lifestyle among participants of all ages.

Judoka Katryna Esposito secured Malta’s first and only medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, 31 July, claiming bronze in the women’s -48kg judo category. She sealed her place on the podium with a juji-gatame armlock against Scotland’s Eva Ewing, winning by ippon and earning a second successive Commonwealth bronze after Birmingham 2022.

The result further establishes Esposito as one of Malta’s most consistent international performers and gave Team Malta its sole podium finish of the Games. It was especially significant for SportMalta: Esposito is a valued member of the organisation’s team, so her medal represents both a national sporting success and a proud achievement for her SportMalta colleagues.

A Second Commonwealth Bronze

Competing in an eight-athlete draw, Esposito began at the quarter-final stage, defeating Mauritius’ Marie Thomas by waza-ari. She was then beaten by Canada’s Heidi Quach by ippon in the semi-final, sending her into the bronze medal contest against Ewing. Esposito first scored a yuko before transitioning into the decisive armlock for ippon.

After the event, Esposito described the medal as the product of years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance. She also highlighted the months of hard work, overseas training camps and regular international competition that helped prepare her for Glasgow. SportMalta formed an important part of the support network behind this preparation, alongside her federation, club, sponsors and other partners.

A Career Built on Consistency

Esposito has built a strong record since her first Commonwealth medal. Her results include bronze at the Tunis and Algiers African Opens in 2023, gold at the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe, gold at the 2024 Commonwealth Judo Championships in Malta, and silver at both the Tunis and Algiers African Opens in 2026.

Her achievements were recognised in 2023, when she was named Sportiva tas-Sena at the 63rd SportMalta Awards – Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali. Her continued success demonstrates the value of SportMalta’s investment in elite sport. Financial and logistical assistance from SportMalta, together with support from the Malta Judo Federation, Tigné Judo Club, sponsors and other partners, has helped her access overseas training camps, specialist preparation and regular international competition.

Minister Congratulates Esposito

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri congratulated Esposito on her result, placing it within the context of Malta’s wider participation at the Games. He said: “We are proud of the 21 athletes representing Malta at the Commonwealth Games. Special congratulations to Katryna Esposito for winning the bronze medal in judo.”

Recognition for the Wider Delegation

Esposito’s medal was achieved as part of a wider Maltese delegation of 21 athletes who competed across various disciplines at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Each athlete’s presence at the Games reflected years of training and preparation, and their participation on this stage stands as a recognition of the dedication and commitment invested by the athletes themselves, as well as their coaches and support staff, in reaching international level competition.

Looking Ahead

Esposito has identified qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as her long-term objective. Her Glasgow bronze underlines the continued progress of Maltese judo and highlights the role of SportMalta support, sponsorship and coordinated partnerships in helping Maltese athletes succeed internationally.

Around 3,000 participants are taking part in this year’s edition of Let’s Move Malta, SportMalta’s summer programme aimed at promoting a more active and healthier lifestyle among children, young people and adults. Over the programme’s eight weeks, participants take part in a wide range of sporting activities, including swimming, athletics, football, gymnastics, fitness, dance, judo and sailing, organised across seven centres in Malta and Gozo and delivered by more than 180 qualified coaches and helpers.

Minister and SportMalta CEO Visit Cottonera Sports Complex

The Minister for Education and Sport, Byron Camilleri, visited the Cottonera Sports Complex. Together with SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar and SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani, he met participants, parents, coaches and helpers and followed the Let’s Move Malta activities closely. The Minister also toured the sports infrastructural projects currently under way at the complex, part of the Government’s continued investment in strengthening sports facilities around the country.

Investment in Sport is an Investment in People, Says Minister Camilleri

Minister Camilleri said that Government continues to invest in sport as a means of promoting an active, healthy lifestyle and creating new opportunities for personal development.

“When we invest in sport, we are investing in people. Through programmes such as ‘Let’s Move Malta’, we are creating more opportunities for children, young people and families to adopt a more active lifestyle, while developing important values such as discipline, teamwork and respect. This is a direct investment in the wellbeing and quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitan people,” Minister Camilleri said.

He also referred to the fact that children learn to swim through the programme, an essential skill on an island such as Malta that helps reduce the risk of incidents.

Participation Reflects Families’ Trust in SportMalta Programmes

SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar said that the participation of around 3,000 people continued to confirm the trust that families place in SportMalta’s programmes. He said that the fact thousands of people chose Let’s Move Malta year after year was testament to the quality of the programme and to the commitment of its coaches, helpers and staff, whose work continues to offer participants a positive sporting experience that encourages more people to include sport in their daily routine.

A Continuing Commitment to Accessible Sport

Through Let’s Move Malta, SportMalta continues to carry out its mission of making sport more accessible and encouraging more people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle. This runs alongside continued Government investment in sports infrastructure, with facilities and structured participation programmes developing as complementary strands of the same effort.