Minister for Education and Sport Hon. Byron Camilleri held an open discussion meeting at SportMalta headquarters with stakeholders involved in the traditional Regattas. The meeting formed part of a broader effort to maintain Government support for one of Malta’s long-established sporting traditions.

Those present included representatives from SportMalta, regatta clubs and associations, and members of the committee appointed by the Ministry. The session gave stakeholders the opportunity to set out their views, raise concerns, and put forward proposals relating to the organisation and future direction of the sport.

Topics Discussed

A range of initiatives were presented and debated during the meeting, with discussions centred on the administration of the sport, the drafting of a new statute to provide a clearer regulatory framework, the allocation of boats to clubs, and ways to raise the overall standard and visibility of Regatta events. The exchange was structured around the shared objective of ensuring the sport’s continued development.

Government Position and the Importance of Cooperation

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri indicated that the Government intends to maintain its support for the sport and the people involved in it. He noted that resources and assistance would remain available on the condition that club’s approach key decisions collectively and in a constructive spirit. The Minister identified governance, administration, and long-term planning as areas where agreement among clubs would be particularly important.

Youth Development

The development of nurseries and youth participation featured prominently in the discussions. There was general agreement among stakeholders that sustained investment in younger athletes is necessary if the sport is to retain its footing across future generations. Several proposals were put forward aimed at strengthening youth programmes and broadening participation at club level.

Response from Club Representatives

Club representatives expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the Minister, noting that the meeting had taken place shortly after he assumed office. The session was broadly described as constructive, with participants highlighting the importance of open communication between the authorities and those active in the sport. The willingness of all parties to engage in dialogue was seen as a positive step forward.

SportMalta was among the national sport bodies gathered in Brussels on 23 June 2026 as Commissioner Glenn Micallef hosted the first-ever #BeActive EU Sport Awards at Bozar. The ceremony recognised projects from across Europe that had worked to promote physical activity, social inclusion and community engagement through sport. As Malta’s National Coordinating Body for the European Week of Sport, SportMalta also took part in an implementation dialogue with the Commissioner, an opportunity for national bodies to discuss how the initiative was being taken forward in their respective countries.

A New Recognition Scheme for European Sport

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards brought together what were previously two separate European recognition schemes into a single framework spanning five categories: Physical Activity, Inclusion, Volunteering, Across Generations, and Peace. This year’s edition drew a record 279 applications, from which an independent jury selected 15 finalists. Category winners each received €15,000, with the remaining finalists awarded €5,000. The ceremony coincided with Olympic Day, marked globally on 23 June.

The Winners

Portugal’s Município de Oeiras took the Physical Activity award for its Fit Senior programme, which brought structured exercise to older adults to support their wellbeing and reduce social isolation. Slovenia’s Planinska Zveza Slovenije won in the Inclusion category for its inPlaninec project, which adapted mountain hiking to make it accessible to people with disabilities. In the Volunteering category, United Way Magyarország from Hungary was recognised for its Flow and Learn programme, which used movement and physical activity within educational settings to support children with ADHD or learning difficulties.

Croatia’s Trkacki klub “Marathon 95” Varaždin received the Across Generations award for the Drava Cross League, a running programme that brought people of different ages together around a shared sense of community. The Peace category went to Associazione Internazionale New Humanity in Italy for Run4Unity, a cross-border relay initiative in which young participants across time zones connected through sport and shared cultural exchange.

An Evening of Recognition and Reflection

The ceremony was opened by Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General of DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. A fireside conversation between Commissioner Micallef and Cyprus’ Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr Athena Michaelidou, explored the wider social contribution of sport. Professional basketball player Sébastien Bellin, who survived the 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks, also addressed the gathering, speaking on resilience and the capacity of sport to shape character beyond physical performance.

Looking Ahead

SportMalta’s presence in Brussels, both at the ceremony and in the policy dialogue, reflected its continued engagement with European sport frameworks. With the European Week of Sport approaching in September, the organisation would draw on the experience from this visit as it developed the national programme. The awards, in their first full edition, had set a clear benchmark for best practice across the continent, and Malta’s participation in the wider European conversation around sport and physical activity remained an important part of that effort.

European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League | Final 4 | Malta 2026

Malta successfully hosted the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4 last week, welcoming eight of Europe’s top clubs to the National Pool Complex, TalQroqq, for four days of high-level competition. Organised in partnership with European Aquatics, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, and Visit Malta, the event was driven by SportMalta, whose CEO Mark Cutajar served as Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee. The tournament concluded with Olympiacos SFP and CN AtleticBarceloneta being crowned Women’s and Men’s Champions League winners respectively.

FTC Telekom Waterpolo Edge Through on Penalties

In the first Women’s semi-final, FTC Telekom Waterpolo defeated Assolim CN Sant Andreu 15–14 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 11–11 at full time. The match was tightly contested throughout, with neither side able to break the deadlock over four hard-fought quarters. Ortiz Munoz Beatriz and Kurucz-Gurisatti Greta were among the notable contributors for FTC Telekom Waterpolo, consistently threatening the Sant Andreu goal and keeping their side in contention. For the Spanish side, Ruiz Barril Elena and Williams Alice Emily put in impressive performances, ensuring the contest remained close until the very end. Sant Andreu equalised to level the score at 11–11, sending the match to a penalty shootout in which FTC Telekom Waterpolo ultimately held their nerve to prevail 15–14.

Olympiacos SFP Book Their Place in the Women’s Final

In the second Women’s semi-final, Olympiacos SFP defeated Assolim CN Mataro 14–12 in an equally engaging match. The Greek side showed composure and quality throughout, with Plevritou and Stamatopoulou among the standout performers, driving Olympiacos SFP forward at crucial moments. Mataro pushed hard and made it a competitive contest, but Olympiacos SFP maintained their advantage to secure their place in the final.

Women’s Bronze Medal Match

Assolim CN Sant Andreu and Assolim CN Mataro faced each other in the Women’s bronze medal match, with CN Sant Andreu ultimately claiming third place. Ultimately, Assolim CN Sant Andreu, secure victory in regular time. Mataró fell to a third consecutive Final Four defeat, leaving them without a win across two appearances. After reaching the final in 2023, they have since placed fourth in both 2024 and 2025.

CN Atletic-Barceloneta Advance on Penalties in Men’s Semi-Final

CN Atletic-Barceloneta secured their place in the Men’s Final with a penalty shootout victory over FTC Telekom, after a tightly contested match that ended 13–11 at full time. With the scores level at 9–9 heading into the final stages, CN Atletic-Barceloneta equalised at the last minute to force penalties, where goalkeeper Unai Aguirre Rubio produced a series of stellar saves to send his side through.

Pro Recco Advance in Commanding Fashion

Pro Recco left no room for doubt in the second Men’s semi-final, defeating Olympiacos SFP 16–9 in a dominant display. It was a comprehensive performance from the Italian side, who were clinical throughout and never allowed their opponents back into the contest.

Men’s Bronze Medal Match

Pro Recco’s victory set up a Men’s bronze medal match between FTC Telekom Waterpolo and Olympiacos SFP.

The Hungarians defeated Olympiacos SFP 16–13. FTC Telekom found themselves trailing on more than one occasion but produced a strong final quarter, with Marton Vamos, Akos Nagy and Dusan Mandic among the standout contributors.

Women’s Final: Olympiacos SFP Crowned Champions

Olympiacos SFP were crowned Women’s Champions League winners on Friday night after defeating FTC Telekom Waterpolo 17–14 in a penalty shootout, following a match
that finished 14–14 at full time.

Olympiacos made a strong start, building a three-goal lead through Abby Andrews and Christina Siouti. FTC Telekom Waterpolo fought back strongly in the third quarter, with captain Greta Gurisatti in outstanding form, scoring seven goals across the match. The Hungarians turned a deficit into a two-goal lead heading into the final stages of the fourth
quarter.

Olympiacos refused to give in. Stefania Santa levelled the score at 14–14 with just 13 seconds remaining, forcing a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Olympiacos brought on reserve goalkeeper Britt van den Dobbelsteen — a penalty specialist who also fulfils that role for the Dutch national team. She proved decisive, saving three consecutive penalties from Ortiz, Szilagyi and Plevritou to hand Olympiacos their fourth Champions League title.

In the bronze medal match, CN Sant Andreu defeated Assolim CN Mataro 11–9, with Elena Ruiz delivering a decisive finish late in the fourth quarter to seal the result.

Men’s Final: CN Atletic-Barceloneta Crowned Champions

CN Atletic-Barceloneta were crowned Men’s Champions League winners on Saturday night, defeating Pro Recco 17–16 in the highest-scoring final in the history of the competition.

Barceloneta made a strong start, racing into an early lead before Pro Recco fought back to take a three-goal advantage midway through the second quarter. Captain Alberto Munarriz and Gergo Burian were key contributors for the Spanish side, helping them gradually claw back the deficit. Roger Tahull’s finish brought the score to 11–12 at half-time, before Barceloneta levelled early in the third quarter and gradually took control. Goalkeeper Unai Aguirre was outstanding throughout, finishing with six saves from 22 shots.

With just under two minutes remaining, Burian restored a two-goal lead for Barceloneta at 17–15. Pro Recco pulled one back through Iocchi Gratta to make it 17–16, before Barceloneta’s defence held firm in the closing seconds to secure the title — their first in 12 years, and their second overall.

SportMalta’s Role in Delivering a World-Class Event

SportMalta played a central role in the organisation and delivery of the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4. Fellow SportMalta representatives also sat on the committee, with planning beginning shortly after the conclusion of the tournament’s second edition — a reflection of the long-term commitment SportMalta invested in bringing this event to Malta. SportMalta employees went above and beyond their normal duties in the lead-up to and during the event, ensuring that every aspect of the tournament’s delivery met the highest standards. Their dedication was recognised on the podium, with LOC Member Rose Marie Mercieca presenting the Women’s Final second place award to FTC Telekom Waterpolo, and CEO Mark Cutajar presenting the Women’s Final first place award to Olympiacos SFP and the Men’s Final second place award to Pro Recco. The Men’s Final first place trophy was presented by Minister Hon. Dr Byron Camilleri to CN Atletic-Barceloneta. Between 600 and 700 supporters attended each day — many travelling with their clubs from Hungary, Greece, Spain, and Italy — underlining the significant sport tourism impact that events of this calibre bring to Malta, with visiting fans filling local hotels, restaurants, and venues across the island.

The Final 4 represented exactly the kind of high-profile international tournament that positions Malta as a premier sport tourism destination in the Mediterranean, and a testament to SportMalta’s commitment to securing and delivering events of this standard.

A Tournament to Remember

The European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4 in Malta delivered four days of outstanding competition, with both the Women’s and Men’s titles decided in memorable fashion. All eight clubs played their part in making this a tournament that showcased the very best of European water polo, further cementing Malta’s standing as a destination of choice for world-class international sport.

SportMalta Cup Opens Champions League Week

Two local derbies on Monday night at the National Pool Complex in Msida provided a fitting start to what promises to be a significant week for Maltese water polo. Both matches were decided by a single goal, with the men’s game going to a penalty shootout. The evening was organised by SportMalta and the Aquatic Sports Association, with Visit Malta as the main sponsor.

Sirens Make History

The opening match carried extra significance as the Women’s SportMalta Cup was played for the very first time. That was already a milestone worth celebrating — but Sirens and Sliema made sure the occasion was more than just symbolic, serving up a contest that kept everyone on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Goals flew in at both ends as the two sides refused to pull away from one another. Every time one threatened to take control, the other responded. It made for breathless viewing, and when the final whistle went, it was Sirens who emerged on top, winning 15–14 to be crowned the inaugural Women’s SportMalta Cup champions.

Neptunes Survive the Shootout

The men’s match was equally gripping. Neptunes and San Ġiljan need no introduction when it comes to derby rivalry, and Monday’s encounter delivered everything supporters have come to expect — physical, intense and impossible to call from one moment to the next.

Croatian debutant Kristjan Culina made an immediate impression with seven goals, helping Neptunes establish a two-goal lead that looked to be enough heading into the final minutes. San Ġiljan, however, refused to fold. They clawed back a two-goal deficit in the dying minutes, levelling at 14–14 and forcing a penalty shootout.

From the spot, Neptunes goalkeeper Matthew Castillo proved the difference, making two crucial saves to swing the momentum. Sam Gialanze then stepped up to convert the winning penalty, sealing a 4–3 shootout victory and retaining the cup for a second consecutive year. Captain Stevie Camilleri was presented the trophy by ASA President Karl Izzo and SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani.

The Main Event Awaits

With the SportMalta Cup settled, attention now turns to the European stage. The Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals take place on Wednesday evening, with the Men’s to follow on Thursday. Saturday’s finals will bring the week to a close, with two teams being crowned champions.

Monday was just the beginning.

National Pool Complex Ready as Europe’s Best Prepare to Descend on Malta

With less than a few days to go, final preparations at the National Pool Complex in Msida are complete — and the stage is set for the most prestigious week in European club water polo.

The venue has been transformed into a world-class competition arena. The facility, home of SportMalta, will host both the Men’s and Women’s Champions League Final Fours simultaneously — a historic first in the competition’s history and a powerful statement of trust in Malta’s organisational capability.

Eight of Europe’s leading clubs will be arriving over the coming days, with athletes, coaching staff, officials, and media representatives from across the continent descending in Malta ahead of a four-day programme of elite competition. On the men’s side, Pro Recco (Italy), defending champions FTC Telekom Waterpolo (Hungary), Olympiacos (Greece), and Zodiac CN Atlètic-Barceloneta (Spain) are in contention. The women’s draw features CN Sant Andreu (Spain), Olympiacos SFP (Greece), Assolim CN Mataró (Spain), and FTC Telekom Waterpolo (Hungary).

Before the Champions League action gets underway, the National Pool Complex will this evening host the SportMalta Cup — a celebration of local rivalry that has become a beloved tradition. At 19:00, Sirens take on Sliema in the first-ever Women’s SportMalta Cup, a landmark moment for women’s water polo in Malta. The evening then continues at 21:00 with the men’s edition, as arch-rivals San Giljan and Neptunes — last year’s cup winners — renew hostilities in what promises to be a fiercely contested affair.

The Fan Zone will operate to welcome supporters of all ages from Wednesday, with interactive games, sponsor activations, and official merchandise available on-site. The area surrounding the complex has been designated car-free for the duration of the event, with parking available at the nearby University of Malta grounds.

Television cameras are in place, with TVM Sport set to broadcast every match live — coverage that will reach audiences across multiple international territories and provide Malta with significant global sporting exposure. The opening ceremony will feature a ceremonial relay of the Champions League trophies, carried by national team players across some of Malta’s most iconic locations before arriving at the poolside ahead of the first Champions League matches.

TONIGHT’S FIXTURES — MONDAY 8 JUNE

SportMalta Cup Women: 19:00hrs Sirens vs Sliema

SportMalta Cup Men: 21:00San Giljan vs Neptunes

Stay tuned to the SportMalta website for match updates, results, and all the latest news throughout the week as Malta takes centre stage in European water polo.

SportMalta is proud to be supporting the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final Four, organised by European Aquatics and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), at the National Swimming Complex Tal-Qroqq this week.

For the first time ever, both the men’s and women’s Final Four tournaments will be held at the same venue during the same week. Malta has hosted the men’s Final Four for the past two years, and this year the women’s top clubs join them on the same stage.

Eight of Europe’s best water polo clubs — four men’s and four women’s — will compete from June 10 to 13 for the Champions League title.

Men’s competition

The four men’s clubs competing are Ferencvárosi TC (Hungary), Pro Recco (Italy), Zodiac Atlètic-Barceloneta (Spain) and Olympiacos SFP (Greece).

Ferencváros are the defending champions, having won the title in Malta in both 2024 and 2025. Pro Recco, 11-time European champions, will be looking to stop them from winning a third title in a row. Barceloneta qualified unbeaten from the quarter-finals stage, while Olympiacos clinched their place after winning a penalty shootout against AN Brescia on the last day of qualification.

Women’s competition

The four women’s clubs competing are Ferencvárosi TC (Hungary), Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece), Assolim CN Matarò (Spain) and reigning champions CN Sant Andreu (Spain).

Sant Andreu won the title last year and are back to defend it. In the semi-finals, Ferencváros face Sant Andreu, while Matarò take on Olympiacos. Both Ferencváros and Olympiacos have their men’s and women’s teams in Malta, giving both clubs the chance to win both titles.

Schedule

• Wednesday, June 10 – Women’s Semi-Finals (19:00 and 21:00)
• Thursday, June 11 – Men’s Semi-Finals (19:00 and 21:00)
• Friday, June 12 – Women’s Bronze Medal Match (19:00); Women’s Final (21:00)
• Saturday, June 13 – Men’s Bronze Medal Match (19:00); Men’s Final (21:00) All matches will be played at the National Swimming Complex, Tal-Qroqq.

Tickets are available at www.showshappening.com/Aquatic-Sports-Association-of-Malta/european-aquatics-champions-league-men-women-final-4-malta-2026

Malta’s national push toward a healthier, more active lifestyle reached a resounding peak this past week as the annual Sport Village brought together thousands of participants.

Held from Wednesday, May 20th to Saturday, May 23rd, the four-day event transformed the MFCC in Ta’ Qali into an energetic hub of movement, excitement, and community spirit, emphasizing that sport truly is for everyone.

The event organized by is-Servizz Pubbliku in collaboration with SportMalta, kicked off with a major focus on the island’s youth. From Wednesday through Friday, the Sport Village welcomed thousands of school students. These dynamic sessions were designed to get children moving, encouraging them to work as a team, and giving them the opportunity to have fun while trying out different sports that are not usually accessible within the standard school curriculum.

Interactive stations allowed students to try everything from enhanced traditional team sports to unique individual disciplines. To add to the excitement, students who successfully completed five different sports stations earned access to the virtual reality (VR) sports station or could choose merchandise, perfectly rewarding their physical efforts.

On Friday evening, the focus shifted to the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) Competition. The competition included participation from trained athletes as well as other local contenders, spanning all ages from children to adults. This event allowed individuals to test their personal fitness and agility on a specially constructed course.

Saturday was dedicated to celebrating inclusive sport, with the Sport Village welcoming participants from the SportMalta ‘Let’s Move’ Programme alongside athletes from Special Olympics Malta. The venue was filled with positive energy as these athletes demonstrated their sports skills and shared their passion for physical activity. Parents also took part in the various fun challenges and exercises alongside their children, highlighting the importance of family teamwork, mutual support, and broader community inclusion.

PPS Event – Ta’ Qali Sports Day

The event concluded on Saturday afternoon with strong participation numbers recorded across all four days of activity. By successfully integrating morning school sports, innovative VR rewards, competitive evening racing, and inclusive weekend programmes for families and athletes of all abilities, this year’s Sport Village effectively promoted the long-term benefits of active living and successfully made physical activity accessible to the entire Maltese community.

Today, SportMalta had the honour of welcoming Zhang Zuo to the Cottonera Sports Complex for an official visit centred around sport, community engagement, and international collaboration.

The visit served as an important opportunity to showcase the high-quality facilities available at the Cottonera Sports Complex, as well as other major sporting facilities managed by SportMalta, including the new National Tennis Centre and the Marsa Sports Complex, while highlighting the ongoing commitment towards creating inclusive sporting environments that encourage participation, development, and excellence across all age groups.

Throughout the visit, discussions focused on the significant role sport plays in strengthening communities, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and providing valuable opportunities for young athletes and aspiring sportspeople to develop both personally and professionally.

The exchange also underlined the importance of sport as a universal platform capable of fostering unity, cultural understanding, and international cooperation.

Emphasis was placed on the continued development of relations between Malta and China through sport, with conversations exploring potential areas of collaboration related to youth development programmes, sports initiatives, and cultural exchange opportunities. Such collaborations continue to reinforce the value of sport as a bridge between nations and communities.

Sport Malta expressed its appreciation for Ambassador Zhang Zuo’s visit and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships that contribute positively to the local sporting landscape and wider community.

We thank Ambassador Zhang Zuo for his visit and look forward to continued collaboration and friendship through the power of sport.

Malta today marked a significant milestone in the development of aquatic sports with the official launch of the Coaches’ Educational Framework and Pathway and the introduction of the Swimming Coaches Course – Level 1. The initiative represents a coordinated effort to elevate coaching standards and support long-term athlete development across the islands.

The launch event brought together key stakeholders from both local and European sporting bodies. Among those present were European Aquatics President Antonio Silva, Aquatic Sports Association of Malta President Karl Izzo, Vice President for Swimming David Bonello, and representatives from SportMalta including CEO Mark Cutajar, Director of Corporate Services Rose Marie Mercieca, and Deputy Chairman Keith Bartolo.

The programme is designed to provide structured education and development opportunities for selected coaches, equipping them with the tools necessary to enhance athlete performance while promoting safe and inclusive sporting environments.

At the core of this initiative is the Level 1 coaching course, which aims to build foundational competencies in aspiring swimming coaches. By the end of the course, participants are expected to gain a solid understanding of key sport science principles, swimming techniques, and effective training methodologies. Additionally, coaches will develop the ability to analyse athlete performance, contribute to the delivery of structured training sessions, and adapt their coaching strategies to suit varying stages of athlete development.

Beyond technical knowledge, the programme places strong emphasis on ethical responsibilities and professionalism. Coaches are encouraged to adopt a participant-centred approach, foster positive sporting experiences, and commit to continuous self-improvement. Adaptability, communication, and leadership are also highlighted as essential qualities for modern coaching practice.

The course will be structured through a series of online lectures, culminating in an online examination, followed by an intensive practical session delivered directly by European Aquatics. This programme is designed as a continuous learning pathway meaning that once qualified, coaches are required to renew their certification every two years through additional online learning and assessments provided by European Aquatics. This ensures that all coaches remain up to date, maintain high standards, and stay well informed on the latest developments in the sport.

This initiative forms part of the broader national campaign Let’s Move Malta, spearheaded by SportMalta. The campaign aims to increase physical activity levels across the population, encouraging healthier lifestyles through greater participation in sport and exercise. It focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term engagement, ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities can benefit from structured physical activity programmes.

Further details about the campaign can be found here: Let’s Move Malta initiative

The introduction of a formalised coaching pathway aligns with the campaign’s objectives by strengthening the quality of sports delivery at grassroots level. Well-trained coaches play a critical role in inspiring participation, nurturing talent, and maintaining high standards of safety and development within sport.

Today’s launch signals Malta’s commitment to investing in its coaching workforce and aligning with European best practices. With continued collaboration between national and international bodies, the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the growth and success of aquatic sports in Malta.

SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani says the island’s sporting direction is built around an inclusive, “holistic” ecosystem that reaches from grassroots participation to elite performance. In a recent interview with SiGMA News, he pointed to growing demand for physical activity, the need for continued investment in facilities and programmes, and Malta’s advantage as a compact, well-connected destination that can deliver international competitions and long-term value through sports tourism and partnerships.

“A holistic system and inclusive environment”

Asked what kind of sporting ecosystem Malta is trying to build, Pisani keeps coming back to one guiding idea: access.

“We’ve built a holistic system and inclusive environment where everyone can participate. Everyone can compete, we are not leaving anyone behind,” he says.

That means designing programmes with broad participation in mind. “We try as much as possible to cater to or create our programmes so that they are available for everyone and inclusive,” Pisani explains.

But he also makes the case that inclusion has to be supported by resources. “I think there should be more investment,” he says, adding that feedback from the public is clear: “People are reacting very well, and they are participating a lot.”

With participation rising, Pisani argues the next steps must keep pace. “We need to keep on investing in programmes, in facilities,” he says, linking it to a shift in attitudes locally: “The Maltese population is becoming aware of the importance of physical activity.”

For SportMalta, that focus sits alongside elite sport. “One of the main pillars for Sport Malta, apart from sport, which we cater for elite sport as well, is physical activity for everyone,” he told SiGMA News. And when it comes to what needs extra attention, his answer is direct: “Facilities.”

Putting Malta on the international map

On Malta’s global position, Pisani points first to geography and practicality. “Malta is well positioned in the Mediterranean,” he says, and he believes the country’s compact size is an advantage: “Because Malta is compact, our facilities and complexes are always nearby.”

That proximity, he says, helps Malta attract international activity, including high-profile aquatics events. He cites the European Water Polo Championships, which “will be organised in June,” and adds that “earlier in April, there will be the world championships of water polo as well, of both men and women.”

Beyond the calendar, he stresses delivery. “Given that we have our organisation team who deliver very good results, people are talking,” he says. The outcome, in his view, is a stronger reputation abroad: “They are now recognising Malta as one of the main countries in the EU where you can hold and organise European championships of the highest levels.”

The people behind the athletes, and the partnerships ahead

Pisani is keen to widen the spotlight beyond athletes. “We always talk about athletes…but we try as well to focus on the administrators, the coaches,” he says, describing investment in “capacity building” so staff can “keep on offering the best service.”

He also sees partnerships as essential to staying relevant. “If you do not invest in new niches, you’ll become slow,” he warns. SportMalta, he says, is looking outward: “We try to explore new niches… and we hold a lot of discussions with both national and international stakeholders.”

As the gaming sector grows, he believes links with sport can deepen too: “I believe that one day we will see more investment vis-a-vis Sport Malta and the gaming community as well.”

“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.”