SportMalta together with the Malta Sports Journalists Association will again be organizing the SportMalta Awards- Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali, a much anticipated event by all local sport enthusiasts especially athletes, coaches and sport administrators.

This year’s edition will take place on Saturday 25^th of February 2017 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

The SportMalta Awards- Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali, have developed year after year since their inception over 55 years ago where during the first edition in 1960, Wilfred Pirotta was awarded with the annual Sportsman Award: an event which has flourished in its popularity and participation from associations and federations, sports journalists and the general public.

A number of new categories have been introduced over the years. This year’s edition that will recognize the achievements in the different levels of sports will comprise of the below categories:

Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, Male and Female Youth of the year and Award for the best initiative for the organization of an international event in Malta., Male and Female Special Olympics Award, Best Gozitan Athlete and the SportMalta Award selected by the general public.

During a press conference, Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, innovation, Youth and Sport expressed his satisfaction that for yet another year two entities are working together towards a single goal. He stated that such a small country like Malta which is lacking in human resources cannot afford to operate in tribes. He emphasized that there should also be mutual respect between  atheletes, coaches, adminitrators and journalists. He said that during this last year certain unplesant incidents have been associated with sports but he claimed that this should not affect the celebration of Sport through the SportMalta Awards- Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali.

Mark Cutajar, Chairman of the Organizing Committee stated that although he understands that this event is a celebration of talent he is aware that the expense invested to organize such an occasion must be reasonable and taken with responsibility. He also mentioned the importance of transparency in the selection process and assured that it is a transparent and fair procedure which is another goal reached by the organizing committee. He gave details about the final night which will take place on the 25^th of February at The Mediterranean Conference Centre and hosted by Pamela Schembri. He announced that the certificate giving ceremony prior to the final night will also take place at this venue on the 7^th of February 2017. He mentioned the awards in the categories mainly Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, Male and Female Youth of the year and Award for the best initiative for the organization of an international event in Malta, Male and Female Special Olympics Award, Best Gozitan Athlete and the SportMalta Award selected by the general public. The event will provide a spectacular and entertaining performance. Mr Cutajar concluded by thanking the CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service , John Bundy whereby for another year the national broadcasting service will be transmitting live on TVM 2 the event which is going to be even more spectacular than previous years.

Sandro Micallef, General Secretary of the Malta Sports Journalists Association thanked SportMalta for accepting to conjointly organise these awards for the eighth consecutive year. He appealed to the secretaries of the Associations to actively participate in the nomination phase which closes on the 20^th of January. Mr Micallef also encouraged the sports journalists to give their contribution in the judging phase so that from 10 finalists the number is reduced to 5 participants before the voting stage during the final night.

Luciano Busuttil, Chairman of SportMalta said that this celebration serves as a showcase of talent of our sports people who act as role models for those persons who wish to make that extra effort and take up sport as a profession.

History behind the Awards

55 years have elapsed since the much esteemed Benny Pace dreamed of creating these awards through his journal “The Sporting Star’, during this time the choice was solely in the hands of the general public who voted for their preferred sportsperson whom they believed deserved to win. Following this initial phase the responsibility of the voting was passed on to the members of the Sports Journalists Association who used the traditional numerical sign system to cast their preferences during the event itself, later in the years this voting process used to take place some days before. However the organising committee made the decision to revert to the original live voting of course utilising modern technology in a more professional and advanced way.

SportMalta conveys its condolences to the family of Lino Bugeja upon his demise today at the age of 86 years.

Lino Bugeja was an avid contributor in the journalistic field in particular in the areas of education, culture, sports and environmental protection.

Amongst his many attributes, Lino Bugeja has provided an invaluable contribution to the field of sports as he was a historic researcher on the Olympics and for many years lecturer at the Olympic Academy. Moreover he was one of the first athletes to represent Malta in the very first edition of the Mediterranean Games held in Alessandria in the 50s. Following this experience he became founding member of the Sports Education Centre and also Secretary of the Maltese Olympic Committee in the 70s. Recently Lino Bugeja’s name entered the Hall of Fame.After retiring as a football player for Vittoriosa Stars, he became coach for the Youth National Football Team. He also occupied the role of coach for the Hibernians FC

His long career has been recognized when in 2013 he received the medal for the Service to the Republic. Lino Bugeja has written numerous articles for international publications and was still contributing in the journalistic field. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in the field of historic research especially studies about his much loved town Vittoriosa. Lino Bugeja will be reminisced for his continuous support towards the environment through various writings and through the Ramblers Malta Club of which he was the founder.

SportMalta has finalised another capital project through financial assitance given to The Malta Judo Federation to build a new pavilion in Pembroke. The venue with an investment of 100,000 euros was inaugurated in the presence of Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, high officials from SportMalta, the executive committee of The Judo Federation and a number of athletes and other guests.

‘We are delivering what we promised in assisting minor sports through funding’ said the Parliamentary Secretary, Chris Agius. He stated that SportMalta is ensuring that the funds reach a wide spectrum of sports disciplines. He mentioned that the strategy adopted is to make sure that capital investment is directed towards sports that can be most effective in winning medals in international competitions thus making a dream come true. He referred to the recent launch of the consultation period of the National Sports Policy and encouraged everyone and all stakeholders to voice their opinions so as to have one common national policy that reaches out to all involved. The Parliamentary Secretary guaranteed that the governement will be supporting the Malta Olympic Committee’s bid to host the next Small Nations’ Games and stated that the Judo Facility actually serves this purpose.

Mark Cutajar, CEO of SportMalta said that through these premises more children and youths will be practising the sport of Judo. He stated that SportMalta first addressed its facilities by making sure that they are maximazed to their full potential and then moved to assisting associations so that the number of participants is increased. The Judo Federation is one of the very first associations to benefit form this support together with the current infrastructural works that are ongoing at The National Pool Complex and The Basketball Pavilion. He also made reference to the biggest project to date at the Maria Assunta School which will result in premises with the ability to host a number of sport disciplines under one roof.

Envic Galea, President of the Malta Judo Federation said that he is satisfied that a dream that lasted for 40 years has finally become a reality. He mentioned that the Federation is now in a position to embark in a project to attract more children towards the sports by using the premises for children attending schools in the area.

During the upcoming year SportMalta will continue to assist other associations through such schemes so as to broaden professional sports across all borders.

“Volunteers should be recognized for their work, whilst the government does its utmost to provide them with the necessary skills that are recognized and certified” said Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport during the official opening of the seminar Engaging Skillful Volunteers. The seminar marks the opening of the series of events related to sports for the Maltese Presidency of the European Union.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that although a lot of progress has been made in this sector we are still a long way in reaching our goal of having full-timers working with sports associations. He insisted that such courses are thus very important in giving the opportunity to our volunteers to be acknowledged for their work. He mentioned that this seminar precedes the HR Expert Group meeting to be hosted by Malta the following day. The experts forming part of this group are discussing important themes such as sport diplomacy, dual careers and the voluntary sector.

The one day seminar tackled a number of issues related to volunteering in sport such as good governance and the role of the volunteer. There were also a number of workshops during which participants could learn more about good practices that already exist in other countries and topics such as the role of the parents as volunteers, volunteering that leads to a career in sports and volunteering during mega events.

During his speech Mark Cutajar, Director General of Sports and the Chief Executive of SportMalta said that it is an honour for SportMalta to be entrusted by the Ministry of Education to organize all the work related to sports in relation to the Presidency. Social inclusion and volunteering are Malta’s priorities for the Presidency and so this seminar represents the first initiative in a wide and long process leading to conclusions at the end of the term. Mr. Cutajar mentioned also the authoring of Sports Work Plan of the European Union entrusted to SportMalta that presents numerous challenges as it needs to bring together the ideas of the 28 member states. Moreover he said that March will certainly be an eventful month as Malta will host the European Sports Forum, The European Youth Sport Forum and the Directors’ General Meeting amongst other activities.

The seminar was attended by over a hundred participants hailing from local sport associations, SportMalta employees and foreign guests. Professor Thierry Zintz from the University of Louvain in Belgium and Dr. Geoff Nichols form the University of Sheffield, UK were amongst the speakers. Representatives for the European Commission and the Slovak Presidency were also in attendance.

The official SportMalta website dedicated to the work related to the Presidency was officially launched during the seminar. The website also gives access to important documents to be used during the meetings that will be organized in Malta.

More Photos: Click Here 

@SportMalta @EuSport @EOSE_skills EOSE President Thierry Zintz presents the vital role of volunteers in good governance leading sport pic.twitter.com/1VSnETxP07

— Stephen Studd (@StuddStephen) November 30, 2016

Seminar by @SportMalta and @EU2017MT about skillful sport volunteering. pic.twitter.com/nySXMaGzIr

— Warren Sammut (@warrensammut) November 30, 2016

@SportMalta @EuSport Mark Cutajar opens seminar on volunteering. Crucial issue to sport @EOSE_skills pic.twitter.com/N0wttrRkLD

— Stephen Studd (@StuddStephen) November 30, 2016

At 'Engaging skillful volunteers' seminar #MaltaEU2017 @SportMalta

— JacomineRavensbergen (@Jac_o_mine) November 30, 2016

Engaging Skillful Volunteers Seminar now @Malta @SportMalta @EuSport @EU2017MT pic.twitter.com/zf2aozSLLR

— Dermot Galea (@dermot_galea) November 30, 2016

Sport= 3%GDP in EU, led by 35 million volunteers. 'Professional voluntarism' in Sports is extremely important for EU @SportMalta @EU2017MT pic.twitter.com/Dhs9yVej0n

— JacomineRavensbergen (@Jac_o_mine) November 30, 2016

@SportMalta @EuSport @EOSE_skills volunteering in sport is the biggest civil society movement in EU 35m people @TASS_Director pic.twitter.com/kP6h1nOp0b

— Stephen Studd (@StuddStephen) November 30, 2016

Guy Taylor stresses the importance of the EU XG Recomm on Volunteering. It's about creating the right environment. @ENAS_sport @SportMalta pic.twitter.com/s83yQWLLmA

— Margo de Lange (@igot_officer) November 30, 2016

Our presidency starts today! #SportMalta @talwefi @cutajar_mark @SportMalta https://t.co/1tmThNGmo7

— Dr Luciano Busuttil (@busuttilluciano) November 30, 2016

@sportmalta @EU2017MT #skillfulvolunteeringinsports pic.twitter.com/MPfl4YV3H5

— Warren Sammut (@warrensammut) November 30, 2016

@SportMalta @maltaeu2017 pic.twitter.com/abzPDYb1D8

— Mark Cutajar (@cutajar_mark) November 30, 2016

@talwefi at Engaging Skillful Volunteers Seminar – 1st @eu2017mt sport event @SportMalta @cutajar_mark @dermot_galea @davidagiusmp pic.twitter.com/l1KbcjknrC

— pamela schembri (@SchembriPamela) November 30, 2016

#volunteers are the heartbeat of @SportMalta pic.twitter.com/yQ8VyDnMYO

— Mark Cutajar (@cutajar_mark) November 30, 2016

Sport is a people's business. It's PEOPLE who make sport happen. It's people we need to invest in. @ENAS_sport @SportMalta

— Margo de Lange (@igot_officer) November 30, 2016

@SportMalta seminar on engaging skillful volunteers in sport…..from peope to people

— tanya zahra (@tanyazahra2) November 30, 2016

SportMalta has launched the ‘Youth Development Scheme’ in collaboration with Bank of Valletta – aimed at athletes who have not attained 18 years of age, the scope of the scheme is to assist these athletes in participating in international competitions beyond our shores.

The scheme, equally funded by SportMalta and Bank of Valletta, will assist around 25 athletes. These athletes will be selected by a board of experts to evaluate applications received through the official organisation of the particular sporting discipline.

The scheme was launched during a press conference held at the Kirkop Sports Complex and addressed by Luciano Busuttil and Mark Cutajar, Chairman and CEO of SportMalta repsectively and Charles Azzopardi, Head PR and Marketing at Bank of Valletta.

Luciano Busuttil, Chairman of SportMalta said that this scheme is an opportunity for our youths to gain a unique experience in international competitions.

Charles Azzopardi, Head of Marketing Department of BOV said that
“Bank of Valletta has been supporting major sporting initiatives in Malta for years, however we always felt the need to embrace the development of our young athletes from an early stage,” said Charles Azzopardi, “The Youth Development Scheme is a major stepping stone in building our future champions. Since a sport builds character, increases confidence and motivates youths, we are confident that with this collaboration with SportMalta, we are making a positive contribution towards the future of our community.”
Mark Cutajar explained in detail how the scheme shall operate. ‘We are honoured that that a company of the stature of  BOV choose to team up with SportMalta to finance this scheme. Sportmalta continuously supports our young athletes since this means an investment in our country,’ said Mr Cutajar. He mentioned that the Regulatory Department is also currently holding discussions with the Malta Olympic Committee to further invest in our youths as preparation to the Small Nations Games to be held in 2023. ‘We understand that young athletes face financial difficulties to participate in international competitions, however these are essential in gaining valuable experience that will help them advance in their sporting career.’

More info about the new scheme: CLICK HERE

The Schools’ Football Tournament kicked off this week the 7th of November. This event is organised by the Sport Promotion Unit (SPU) within SportMalta and the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE) together with the Malta Football Association’s Grassroots Department within the Technical Centre.

This  event, held for Form 3s, Form 4s and Form 5s for both Boys and Girls saw the following schools participating; Boys’ Section – Gozo Secondary School, St. Thomas More Secondary School, St. Theresa Secondary School, Maria Regina College, Msida Education Hub, Paola ALP, St. Margaret Secondary School, San Gorg Preca Secondary School, St. Claire’s Secondary School (F3), Pembroke, St. Claire’s Secondary School (F5), Sliema, St. Ignatius Secondary School and the National Sport School; Girls’ Section – St. Theresa Secondary School, St. Monica, Maria Regina Secondary School, St. Ignatius Secondary School, St. Dorothy, San Gorg Preca, Blata l-Bajda and the National Sport School.

State schools have been competing in groups all week from Monday 7^th to Friday 11^th November with the top schools in the groups qualifying for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday. The top two state schools’ teams will then be joined by the top two teams from the non-state schools in the Finals on the 16^th and 17^th of May 2016.

The tournament has been held at premises provided by Balzan FC, Lija Athletic FC and the new SportMalta Maria Assumpta Sports Complex seeing over 400 boys and girls aged 13 to 16.

The semi-final standings are as follows:

The organisers would again like to express their satisfaction and thank all the participants from all schools, the Nurseries and sponsors TeamSport and GSD Marketing Ltd. for making the tournament a success. The MFA and Educational entities are looking forward to exciting finals in May.

SportMalta is once again joining the Malta Community Chest Fund for this year’s  The President’s Solidarity Fun Run that will be held next Sunday at 10am.

The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation provides financial, material and professional support to people experiencing difficulties because of severe chronic illness, such as cancer. The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation also supports persons with disability, people in poverty and NGOs (through the Fund for Voluntary Organisations).

Whilst the Run will depart from Rabat (Saqqajja Hill) and carry on for 11.3Km, the walks will commence at Paola Square (5.35Km), University of Malta (4.69Km) and St Venera (4.49Km).

All the routes will congregate at Portes des Bombes, Floriana with participants proceeding to St George’s Square, Valletta for the big finale of the Fun Run.

Applications are now open, and those who’d like to join can do so by applying at any Banif Bank branch, Maltco points of sale, San Anton Palace, the MCCFF offices at the The Palace in Valletta, or online here.

A special commemorative T-shirt will be given to all those attending, together with a wristband which entitles all holders to free public transport after the Fun Run from Valletta to all locations across Malta.

Join us next Sunday for the President’s Solidarity FunRun, where, as One Nation, with One Heartbeat we run or walk to help those in need.

Thank you for your Solidarity!

SportMalta is supporting this year’s European Network of Academics Sports Services (ENAS) Forum & Assembly.

The European Network of Academic Sports Services (ENAS) is the Association of Sports Offices in Higher Education Institutions in Europe. The 19th Annual ENAS Forum and Assembly is scheduled next week and will take place in Malta.

This is the most important ENAS event if the year and an invaluable tool for achieving goals. The Forum attracts around 130 delegates from the European Higher Education System, including senior managers of University Sport, government officials and their representatives, sport policy makers, vice-chancellors, sport directors and organisations of student representatives.

Here, you will find all the information you may need about the 2016 event in Malta that is organised by the University of Malta and the Maltese University Sports Club at the spectacular Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard.

It promises to be a spledid edition already with a full line-up of speakers already confirmed.

This year’s theme is “Leadership-Building a brighter Future.