Malta has once again taken centre stage in European aquatic sports by successfully hosting the Final 4 of the European Aquatics Champions League, a prestigious event that has not only elevated the country’s international reputation but also showcased the unmatched capability of local sporting institutions. The event, held art National Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq, was another success, an organisational benchmark that was widely praised by European Aquatics and millions of viewers across the continent.

The four elite clubs that battled for European supremacy Barceloneta of Spain, Novi Beograd of Serbia, Marseille of France and Ferencváros of Hungary delivered thrilling performances in every match. Each encounter was a testament to top tier water polo, athletic brilliance, and sportsmanship taking centre stage. The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with hundreds of local and international fans filling the stands, while over 3 million viewers tuned in across more than 20 countries to follow the live broadcasts, making it the most watched sport event in recent history.

What made this edition of the Champions League Final 4 particularly exceptional was not just the level of play, but the flawless organisation that underpinned the event. Malta’s hosting efforts were nothing short of world class, thanks to a collaborative effort driven by SportMalta and supported fully by the Aquatic Sport Association and the Ministry of Education and Sports. Their continued and strategic investment in aquatic sports has paid off allowing Malta to not only host high level events but to do so with a flair and efficiency that is winning admiration across Europe.

One such investment that stood out during this year’s tournament was the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art lighting system at the National Pool Complex, unveiled during the opening match on Friday. This €135,000 investment by SportMalta has significantly enhanced the venue’s infrastructure, further cementing its status as one of the premier aquatic facilities in Europe.

In addition to the thrilling sporting action, Sunday also featured a special brunch held at the Kalkara Marina, bringing together stakeholders and dignitaries to celebrate the success of the event. During his speech, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, expressed his pride in Malta’s achievements in hosting such a high-level international competition. He remarked that this success gives the country greater courage and confidence to continue investing in aquatic sports, noting how these events serve as a catalyst for further development in the sector.

European Aquatics President Antonio Silva also addressed the gathering, heaping praise on SportMalta, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), and the Government for their hard work and vision. Silva emphasized how proud European Aquatics is to have Malta as the host of the Champions League Final 4 from 2024 through 2026, a testament to the trust and confidence in Malta’s capabilities.

Mark Cutajar, CEO of SportMalta and Chairman of the Organising Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that Malta has now firmly established itself as the go to destination for organising and hosting top tier events. “Everyone now knows that Malta is the place to host big competitions like the Champions League. We never fail, we always succeed,” Cutajar declared.

ASA President Karl Izzo also addressed the attendees and offered some food for thought. He reminded the audience that while 2026 will mark the final year Malta will host the Champions League Final 4 under the current agreement, plans are already in motion for other major competitions to be brought to Malta in the near future, ensuring the country’s presence on the global aquatic sports map continues to grow.

The Champions League week also saw the successful organisation of the second edition of the SportMalta Centenary Cup. This domestic tournament featured four of Malta’s top clubs Neptunes, Sliema, Sirens, and San Ġiljan. The final match saw a dominant performance by Neptunes, who overpowered San Ġiljan to claim the coveted title, adding a local flavour of excellence to an already action-packed week.

Adding to the fan experience was a vibrant and well organised fan zone set up at the National Pool Complex. The fan zone was a major success, creating a festive and interactive environment for supporters of all ages. Activities, live entertainment, and food stalls transformed the venue into a celebration of sport and community spirit.

Credit is also due to the match officials, whose performance was crucial in maintaining the integrity of the competition. Throughout the tournament, referees and technical staff upheld the highest standards, managing high-stakes games with confidence and authority. Not a single controversial decision marred the tournament, an increasingly rare feat in modern sport. Their contribution ensured that the focus remained on the athletes and their exceptional displays.

In every aspect, be it sporting quality, event execution or global reach, this year’s European Aquatics Champions League Final 4 in Malta was a triumph. With another edition already confirmed for next year, expectations are higher than ever. Malta has proven it can deliver, and all signs point to 2026 being even bigger and better.

For the second time, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta in collaboration with SportMalta and the Ministry of sport will once again host the Champions League Final 4, which will be held between the 30th of May and the 1st of June at the National Pool, Tal-Qroqq.

During yesterday’s press conference, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, stated that hosting the biggest competition in waterpolo in Malta is clear proof that the investment made in sports is a success. He added that all this gives even more strength to continue investing in sport.

From his end, ASA President Karl Izzo gave details about the preparations and explained that—just like last year, but on a bigger scale—the event will once again feature a Sporting Village, and that all Final 4 games will be transmitted not only locally but also on various international networks, reaching an even wider audience.

CEO of SportMalta and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Mark Cutajar said that the involvement of SportMalta is crucial to ensure that this prestigious event is once again a successful one. He also noted that it is thanks to the collaboration with various sports entities that Malta continues to attract top international events to be hosted locally.

This year’s edition of the Final 4 will also inaugurate the newly installed permanent lighting system at the National Pool, a €135,000 investment which will benefit all aquatic disciplines. This state-of-the-art lighting will enhance the experience of both international and local aquatic events going forward.

Additionally, during the same week as the Champions League Final 4, the SportMalta Cup will also take place, featuring the top four local waterpolo clubs competing to win the second edition of this local tournament.

On the day of the Champions League Final, a Fan Zone will be set up, complete with entertainment, food stalls, and live music by the popular group Tikka Banda, making it a full sporting and cultural celebration.

To ensure the smooth running of the event and safety of attendees, access by car to the National Pool will be restricted from the 30th of May to the 1st of June. The road leading to the pool near St Monica School will be closed to traffic and accessible only by foot. For convenience, the University Football Ground will be open for public parking.

Tickets are already on sale as follows:

• Day Ticket: €60
• Block Ticket (access to all matches): €85
  Tickets are available as from Monday 21^st April from www.showshappening.com

To ensure the younger generation doesn’t miss out, free tickets will be distributed to all waterpolo nurseries across the island.

We will soon know the four teams who will battle it out in the Final 4. In Group A, Marseille (FRA) and Novi Beograd (SRB) are currently tied at the top with 9 points each from 4 games, followed by Olympiacos (GRC) in third with 5 points.
In Group B, the competition remains wide open: Ferencvaros (HUN) leads with 10 points, followed by Barceloneta (ESP) with 8 points, and Savona (ITA) close behind.

All eyes are now on the upcoming matches to see who will earn their spot in Malta’s showpiece Final 4 event.

SportMalta is proud to have been part of this inspiring journey, providing assistance in making this initiative a success. A heartfelt thanks also goes to the Richmond Foundation for spearheading this important cause.

The four-day endurance challenge, led by Mark and Jon from Vitera, dedicated six hours each day to swimming, cycling, and running. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about men’s mental health and the scientifically proven benefits of physical activity on psychological wellbeing.

The challenge shined a much-needed spotlight on men’s mental health, men are significantly less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, contributing to suicide rates that are approximately three times higher among men than women, both in Malta and globally.

“Mark and Jon took on this challenge because they’ve seen how many men suffer in silence,” said Daniela Calleja Bitar CEO of Richmond Foundation. “By pushing their physical limits, they hoped to break down barriers and start conversations that many men find difficult to have. It’s about showing strength through vulnerability and encouraging others to take that first step toward mental wellbeing.”

Each day of the challenge featured six hours of endurance sports across three disciplines an effort not just of physical resilience but also of emotional strength and purpose.

“This wasn’t just about athletic performance,” said the Vitera team. “It was about demonstrating how consistent, sustainable effort in looking after your wellbeing can make a real difference to your mental state. We wanted to encourage men to find wellness strategies that work for them.”

Several notable figures attended the event to show their support and help amplify this critical message.

This initiative would not have been possible without the dedication of all those involved. SportMalta is honoured to have contributed to this cause, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a healthier, more mindful society. A special thanks to the Richmond Foundation for leading the way in addressing mental health challenges and supporting those in need.

SportMalta’s core purpose to inspire the Maltese and to transform the nation through sport and physical activity initiatives, acts as a catalyser for the entity to come up with yet another initiative towards this end.

Let’sMoveMalta, is the latest addition to the various initiatives that SportMalta took to enhance further physical activity towards a healthier lifestyle.

It all started way back along the years where a Sport Promotion Unit was established with the aim of reaching out to school children by giving them tasters of various sports by experts in the field. The idea was to make them even thirstier to start practicing a spor, with the unit providing the opportunities for many children and facilitating the process to do so.

SportMalta evolved, and while acknowleding and embracing these years of experience, it felt the need to launch a new initiative, based on what the Sport Promotion Unit had been offering all along. The new initiative, namely, Let’sMoveMalta, offers a large variety of activities to cater for today’s needs of sport and physical activity.

Recognising the fact that Malta is an island, surrounded by the sea, it goes without saying that, ideally, all inhabitants of the island should be capable to swim, The sea offers a great opportunity, accessible to all, without any financial burden, to all the islanders to do physical activity. Obviously, this requires some skill, which is being offered to all school children through  the Let’sMoveMalta initiative.

Such skills are being taught by professional coaches whose level of coaching knowledge in swimming is very high, with an extensive experience in the sector.

Not to mention the facilities where these children are being accommodated. SportMalta boasts with its two facilities, an outdoor pool, the Tal-Qroqq National Pool and a state-of-the-art indoor pool in the heart of the Cottonera region.

These pools are also supported by ancillary pools, all across Malta, which are run by aquatic sports clubs.

SportMalta does not stop there. The movement, Let’sMoveMalta, lives up to its name. With its coordinator and the dedicated coaches that make up this small team, this initiative manages to reach out to local councils, which are bringing their inhabitants for dedicated swimming sessions.

SportMalta also caters for Day Care Centres, with Let’sMoveMalta offering physical activity sessions to the participants, who look forward for such events.

SportMalta does not stop there. It offers sport and physical activity sessions to ex-substance abusers through Caritas. The intention is for Let’sMoveMalta to offer sport as a means for re-integration into society.

The movement also organises yearly, sport and physical activity events in old people’e homes and for persons with disabilities and events in collaboration with workplaces.

Let’sMoveMalta has also become very popular with workplaces which offer events for their employees. Through this initiative SportMalta managed to disseminate its gopod practice to get its employees physically active.

A huge traditional sports day for children is also organised, catering for thousands of children, while other sporting events for children are organised throughout the year.

The initiative has more plans for the future, as through research that SportMalta is presently conducting, gathering data on which the entity will base its strategy, Let’sMoveMalta will target the sport and physical activity needs of the whole community, delivering what is best and in the right direction.

At the conclusion of the Celebrating Sport in Malta 2025 conference, the Maltese government announced an impressive financial support package worth over €1.6 million to bolster the local sporting community. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to foster sports development and create opportunities for athletes at both the local and international levels.

The funds, which are split into two distinct schemes, aim to address the evolving needs of the Maltese sports sector. The two funding schemes include International Participation and Sporting Tourism, both of which play crucial roles in ensuring that Malta’s sports scene continues to thrive. The announcement was made during the closing remarks of the conference by Minister Clifton Grima, who reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to sustaining and growing the local sporting ecosystem.

International Participation Scheme

The International Participation scheme is designed to support Maltese athletes and teams who are competing in international competitions and events. This scheme aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with travel, accommodation, and other expenses incurred while participating in prestigious global tournaments. By providing this support, the government ensures that Maltese athletes have the necessary resources to showcase their talents on the world stage and achieve remarkable results.

Through the International Participation scheme, athletes will be able to pursue their dreams and gain invaluable international experience, which is essential for their development. Minister Clifton Grima emphasized the importance of this initiative in allowing Maltese sports professionals to engage with a wider array of international challenges. This exposure enhances their skills and provides them with the motivation to excel.

Sporting Tourism Scheme

The second scheme, Sporting Tourism, reflects the growing recognition of the vital link between sports and tourism. With Malta being a destination that attracts numerous international sporting events and athletes year-round, the Sporting Tourism scheme aims to harness the potential of this sector to generate economic growth and further enhance Malta’s reputation as a hub for sports tourism.

For both schemes, SportMalta received an overwhelming number of 158 applications, a clear indication of the sporting community’s eagerness to take advantage of the financial support available. This funding will support a range of sporting activities, events, and initiatives that not only enhance the visibility of Maltese athletes but also promote Malta as a prime destination for international sporting events. The government recognizes the potential for sports tourism to be a significant driver of economic growth, and through this scheme, it aims to create sustainable opportunities for sports-related tourism that will have a lasting impact on the local economy.

Government’s Commitment to the Sporting Community

In his closing speech, Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the importance of these initiatives in fostering a thriving and resilient sports sector in Malta. He emphasized that the government remains deeply committed to supporting the sporting community, ensuring that athletes and organizations have the resources they need to succeed.

“Today, we are not just providing financial assistance, but we are creating a foundation upon which future successes can be built. This funding is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to empowering the sporting community, motivating athletes to reach their full potential, and inspiring them to take proactive initiatives that will drive growth in the sector,” Minister Grima remarked.

The government’s ongoing investment in sports aims to inspire athletes, coaches, and sports organizations to push the boundaries of what is possible. Minister Grima stated that by continuing to support the sporting community, the government intends to foster a culture of excellence, where individuals are encouraged to aim high and pursue both local and international achievements.

A Crucial Step for Local and International Success

This substantial financial support package is not only a vital contribution to the development of local sports but also a key enabler for Maltese athletes aiming for international success. As the sporting landscape evolves, the government’s support will provide athletes with the necessary tools to elevate their performances and bring pride to the nation.

Minister Grima underscored that the financial assistance will play a critical role in helping athletes achieve both local and international success. “We want our athletes to be proactive, to take initiative, and to continue generating income for the sector. Through these funding schemes, we are providing the necessary resources to help athletes achieve their goals and inspire future generations to pursue sporting excellence,” he added.

By investing in these schemes, the Maltese government is ensuring that Malta remains a key player in the global sports arena, providing athletes and sports organizations with the support they need to achieve their goals, create new opportunities, and generate further income for the nation.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Sporting Excellence

The Celebrating Sport in Malta 2025 conference not only highlighted the achievements of the Maltese sporting community but also set the stage for a promising future. With over €1.6 million in funds to the sporting community, athletes and sports organizations can look forward to a future of greater opportunities, continued growth, and international recognition.

As Minister Grima concluded, “This financial support is a crucial step in ensuring that Maltese athletes can compete on the international stage, while also contributing to the growth of our economy through sports tourism. The government remains fully committed to supporting the Maltese sporting community, and together, we will continue to achieve new heights of success.”

For more information on the funding schemes, athletes and sports organizations are encouraged to visit SportMalta’s official website.

The Celebration of Sport in Malta 2025 Recognition Night proved to be a resounding success, commemorating a decade of transformative impact in Maltese sports. The event brought together athletes, associations, voluntary organisations, and stakeholders to honour their dedication, hard work, and success in using sports to change lives.

This milestone evening featured special recognition for individuals and organisations whose contributions have significantly impacted the Maltese sports community.

Special Recognition was given to;

• Malta Basketball Association – Collaboration with SportMalta to build a high-level sporting venue.
• Neil Agius – Raising awareness about environmental issues through his record-breaking swim.
• Malta Employees Sports Association – Promoting an active and healthy workforce.
• Jarhead Foundation – Engaging minorities through the sport of sailing.
• Special Olympics Invitational Games 2022 – Putting Malta on the International sporting map.
• GSSE 2023 Organising Committee: Organising a state of the art International competition putting the Maltese flag on a top-tier level.
• European Aquatics Final 4 Champions League 2024 Organising Committee: Hosting a high-level International pioneering competition boosting the sport in Malta.
• SportMalta Employees: A decade of hard work and dedication to SportMalta’s mission.

• Caritas Malta and Dar tal-Providenza: Fostering generosity and community through sport.
• Minister Clifton Grima: His leadership and unwavering support of Maltese sport.

• Alfred Cachia and Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro: Their lifelong dedication to sport on the Maltese Islands.

The evening also marked the 10th anniversary of SportMalta, a milestone celebrated with inspiring speeches. Hon. Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the Maltese government’s robust support for sport and physical activities, emphasising their role in improving the quality of life. Matthew Pisani, Chairman of SportMalta, underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving these successes. Meanwhile, Mark Cutajar, CEO of SportMalta, paid tribute to both past and present employees of the entity, acknowledging their pivotal role in fulfilling SportMalta’s mission over the years.

Italian volleyball legend Valerio Vermiglio was the special guest at the Celebrating Sport in Malta 2025 Gala night, Vermiglio shared invaluable insights on sport and professionalism, inspiring attendees with his perspective on achieving success on a competitive stage. He also delighted the audience by recounting memorable moments from his high-level career as a volleyball player.

This memorable night not only celebrated past achievements but also set a vision for the future of sport in Malta. As we look ahead, the collective spirit and dedication showcased during this event sets even greater milestones for Maltese sport. We strive for countless years ahead of excellence and evolution through sport.

Malta’s vibrant sports community came together in a spectacular fashion for the highly anticipated Celebrating Sport in Malta Conference 2025, a two-day event that captivated attendees with insightful discussions, expert panels, and remarkable guest appearances. The conference, a celebration of sportsmanship, innovation, and community spirit, has undoubtedly set a high standard for future gatherings.

One of the standout features of the event was the esteemed lineup of special guests, each of whom brought their unique expertise and perspectives to the stage. Prof. Antonio Silva, President of the European Aquatic Association, delivered a compelling presentation on Learning to Swim and Prevent Drowning, emphasizing the importance of water safety and education.

Prof. Da Silva, delivered a powerful and eye-opening presentation on the importance of learning to swim and preventing drowning. His presentation included shocking statistics, revealing that over 5,000 people in Europe lose their lives to drowning each year. Even more alarming, drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14 in many European countries.

Prof. Da Silva emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and access to swimming lessons to combat this preventable tragedy. He highlighted the critical role of swimming as a life-saving skill and called for enhanced collaboration between governments, schools, and sports organizations to implement comprehensive water safety programs. His presentation was a stark reminder of the responsibility we all share in ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.

Prof. Gregor Starc, representing SLOfit, shared his expertise on the National Fitness Surveillance Programme, highlighting innovative approaches to monitoring and improving population fitness.

Prof. Starc, delivered an impactful presentation emphasizing the crucial role of lifelong fitness monitoring in promoting health and well-being. He explained in detail how consistent tracking of physical fitness across all stages of life provides valuable insights into an individual’s health trajectory highlighting the importance of early intervention and the ability to identify potential health risks through fitness data. He also underscored how lifelong fitness monitoring can inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, making it a cornerstone of effective public health strategies. His insights were both enlightening and highly relevant to today’s challenges.”

Mr. Aurelien Favre, Executive Director of the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment, provided excellent insights into European Funding Opportunities for the Sport Sector in Malta, offering practical advice and strategies for leveraging these resources.

Mr. Favre gave an insightful explanation of the Erasmus+ European Union Programme. Covering the period from 2021 to 2027, this programme aims to support education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. With a substantial budget of €26.2 billion allocated over seven years, approximately 1.9% is dedicated to sport, providing significant opportunities for funding and development in the sports sector. His insights highlighted the programme’s potential impact on Maltese sports initiatives.”

Dr. John Xerri De Caro, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Malta, presented his views on Promoting Physical Activity in the Transition towards Retirement Process, offering valuable guidance on maintaining health and wellness during life transitions, he also gave an insight regarding the HEPA strategy life events represent key points in people’s lives when encouragement, support and interventions are particularly needed to sustain adequate physical activity levels.

Dr. John Xerri de Caro emphasized the significance of motivation in fostering physical activity, outlining two critical aspects. He explained that intrinsic motivation, such as the enjoyment derived from participating in sports, plays a fundamental role in sustaining long-term engagement. Meanwhile, extrinsic motivation, supported through external incentives or structured encouragement, can act as a powerful catalyst in initiating and maintaining an active lifestyle.

The highlight of the conference was undoubtedly the panel discussion, which brought together these exceptional minds for a one-of-a-kind dialogue. The exchange of ideas was both thought-provoking and solution-oriented, addressing key challenges and opportunities in Malta’s sports landscape.

The overwhelming attendance at the conference was a testament to Malta’s passion for sports and the community’s commitment to fostering excellence in this field. From athletes and coaches to policymakers and sports enthusiasts, the diverse audience reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Malta’s sports culture.

Special thanks go to the numerous individuals who attended and contributed to the success of this event. Your enthusiasm and engagement were integral to creating a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.

We thank you for joining us to celebrating sports, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future!

SportMalta is gearing up to celebrate a remarkable milestone—its 10th anniversary—tomorrow, Friday, January 10th. The occasion will be marked with the Celebrate Sport in Malta Conference, a dedicated event reflecting on a decade of promoting sports and wellness across the nation.

Important Notice to the Public

 To facilitate this special celebration, the SportMalta Head Office will be closed for the day, with no services available from the head office. However, the organization assures the public that all other services will continue to operate as usual.

SportMalta would like gratitude for the community’s support over the years

The Maltese National Water Polo Team has achieved a historic victory in the SportMalta Christmas Cup 2024, defeating Slovenia in the final match to claim the tournament title. In a thrilling match held at the Cottonera sports complex, the Maltese players displayed outstanding teamwork and determination, securing their place at the top of the podium.

Portugal finished in second place after an impressive tournament run, while Slovenia claimed third place, delivering a strong performance throughout the competition.

This tournament, organized by SportMalta and in collaboration with Visit Malta, Enemed, General Soft Drinks and the Aquatic Sports Association, was more than just a showcase of sporting excellence. It also carried a message of generosity, with free entrance to all games and donations collected at the entrance for a charitable cause, reflecting the true spirit of the festive season.

Chairman of Sportmalta Mr Matthew Pisani and President of the ASA Mr Karl Izzo at the of the end tournament presented the trophies to all teams.