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.”

BeActive_NEG

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.

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.

Vittoriosa Lawn Tennis Club organised and hosted a Kids Fun Games event during the BeActive – SportMalta European Week of Sport 2025. It was simply pure magic, an evening overflowing with joy, laughter, and playful energy!

The kids lit up the club with their smiles, dashing through races and silly challenges. The grown-ups couldn’t resist joining in either cheering, running, and laughing right alongside the little ones. The tug of war had everyone pulling with all their might, kids versus adults in a battle of strength and giggles.

And then came the water balloon fight a burst of colour, squeals, and splashes that left everyone soaked and smiling from ear to ear. It was the perfect reminder that fun knows no age. And just when we thought the fun couldn’t get any better, Zumba by Carmen Ragusa, had both kids and adults moving, grooving, and dancing together with pure energy and pure joy!

The evening wasn’t just about games, it was about togetherness, laughter, and creating memories we’ll all carry with us.

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the Movement and #Beactive