As the festive season approaches, we at SportMalta would like to extend our warmest wishes to all our members, coaches, volunteers, helpers, officials, administrators, and everyone involved in Maltese sport. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout the year continue to play a vital role in strengthening sport at all levels, and we thank you for being an essential part of our sporting community.

We would also like to inform everyone that SportMalta complexes will be closed during the festive period as outlined below:

• Cottonera Sport Complex: 24–26 December and 31 December–2 January 2026
• Ta’ Kandja Shooting Range: 24 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, reopening on 3 January 2026
• Snooker Academy: Closed until 4 January 2026, reopening on Monday 5 January 2026
• Marsa Sport Complex: 24–26 December and 31 December–2 January 2026
• National Pool Complex: 24 December to Friday 2 January
• Kirkop Sport Complex: 24–26 December and 31 December–2 January

We encourage all users to plan accordingly. We wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a successful, healthy New Year

Today, SportMalta had the honour of welcoming the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glen Micallef, to the Cottonera Sport Complex for an official visit focused on the development, impact, and future direction of sport in Malta.

The visit provided an important opportunity to present the evolution of SportMalta from its early beginnings to its current role as a central entity driving sport development across the Maltese Islands. During the tour, Commissioner Micallef was given an in-depth overview of the organisation’s achievements, strategic growth, and the extensive work being carried out to support athletes, sporting organisations, grassroots initiatives and how SportMalta has grown into a key contributor to national well-being, social inclusion, and community engagement through sport. SportMalta also outlined its vision for the future, presenting several upcoming projects aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure, increasing participation, and enhancing talent development. These initiatives are designed to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and innovation within the Maltese sporting sector, while responding to the evolving needs of society and future generations.

A key part of the discussions focused on potential collaborations between SportMalta and the European Union. Both parties explored opportunities to work together on initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and physical activities. These collaborations aim to support policies and programmes that encourage active participation across all age groups, while also creating pathways for education, training, and professional development within the sports community.

Commissioner Micallef was also briefed on SportMalta’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that sport remains accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. Through partnerships at both national and European levels, SportMalta continues to work towards offering equal opportunities within sport, empowering communities, and supporting long-term public health objectives. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening ties between SportMalta and European institutions, reinforcing the role of sport as a powerful tool for positive social change. SportMalta remains dedicated to building a stronger, more active, and healthier Maltese population, while contributing to broader European goals in sport, youth engagement, and community development

On Saturday 13th December, we proudly celebrated the success of our young athletes at the Wonderland Event, a truly memorable occasion that highlighted talent, dedication, and the power of sport to inspire. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Marsa Sport Complex, this event was a resounding success and a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with excitement, pride, and joy, as families, coaches, and supporters came together to witness our young athlete’s shine. The Wonderland Event formed part of the Let’s Move Malta programme, an initiative that continues to encourage children to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle through sport and physical activity. Throughout the event, we witnessed incredible performances from young athletes who showcased not only their sporting abilities, but also their discipline, determination, and passion. Their enthusiasm and confidence were a true reflection of the guidance and encouragement they receive both on and off the field.

All participating children were awarded a medal along with commemorative gifts to mark this special occasion and to recognise their efforts and achievements. These tokens of appreciation served as a reminder that every child who took part is a winner, and that participation, perseverance, and teamwork are at the heart of sporting success. Medals were presented by SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar, SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani, and Director of Corporate Services Rose Marie Mercieca, whose presence further underlined the importance of this event.

During the event, we also witnessed an exciting Obstacle Course challenge, where children aged between 6 and 10, together with an advanced group, demonstrated remarkable skill, agility, and confidence. These young athletes have been consistently training and developing their abilities at SportMalta facilities, including the Cottonera Sport Complex, National Pool Sport Complex, Mosta Sport Complex, and Marsa Sport Complex. Their progress and performance are a direct result of structured training programmes delivered under the guidance and assistance of SportMalta’s professional coaches, whose expertise and dedication continue to raise standards and nurture future sporting talent.

Most importantly, we proudly praise the athletes themselves and their parents. It is thanks to their dedication, encouragement, and continuous support that we are witnessing such success. The commitment shown by families plays a vital role in shaping confident, resilient, and motivated young athletes.

A big well done to everyone involved in organising this wonderful event, and especially to our talented young athletes who made the day so special.

Timmy Cutugno.

SportMalta’s latest initiative, the Mobility Project, Elevating Sports Management in Malta, set out with a clear goal, to strengthen how sports facilities across the country are managed and operated. To achieve this, a team from SportMalta travelled to Portugal to learn from some of the best examples of sports facility management in Europe. The project focused on understanding how top sports centres are run, how they support athletes, engage local communities, and remain financially and environmentally sustainable.

Portugal proved to be an excellent learning ground as this visit included sports centres like Rio Maior, known for its impressive integrated setup, combining training grounds, accommodation, sports science labs, and medical services all in one place. This centralised model not only improves efficiency but also gives athletes a better overall experience. One key takeaway was Portugal’s commitment to sustainability. Facilities use simple but effective energy saving tools, such as pool covers and LED lighting, which help reduce costs. Preventive maintenance systems and digital attendance tracking were also highlighted as best practices that keep operations organised and transparent.

A standout feature of Portugal’s approach is its strong support for dual-career athletes, those balancing sports and education, by offering flexible learning schedules and close partnerships between schools, universities, and sports bodies, athletes can pursue their academic goals without sacrificing training time. This integration ensures that sporting talent is nurtured without limiting future career opportunities. The Portuguese model also places great emphasis on community engagement. Local councils work closely with national sports authorities to promote “sport for all,” ensuring that everyone, from children to older adults has access to affordable and inclusive programmes. This not only boosts participation but also builds a lasting culture of health and community connection.

Financial sustainability was another important lesson. Many Portuguese facilities generate revenue through complementary activities like leisure parks, international training camps, and tournaments. This income allows them to offer free or low cost programmes for local communities while remaining self-sufficient. Governance in Portugal is coordinated by the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ), which manages sports development nationwide through structured programmes and digital systems. These promote transparency, efficiency, and performance tracking. Across all the centres visited, professionalism and high operational standards were clearly visible.

While Portugal enjoys larger campuses and more available land, Malta’s challenge lies in maximising limited space creatively. The Portuguese model also benefits from strong collaboration between national and municipal entities, something Malta could expand on through deeper partnerships with local councils and other entities. Another opportunity for Malta is in integrating athlete accommodation and sports science services within local facilities, a model that proved highly effective in Portugal. Additionally, adopting a hybrid funding system, where facilities combine public investment with revenue from camps, events, or leisure services, could enhance financial resilience. Educational integration is another area for growth. Partnering with Maltese Educational institutions could better support student athletes in balancing their studies with their sporting ambitions.

The Mobility Project achieved, and even surpassed, its initial objectives. The SportMalta team gained valuable insights into sustainable management, integrated athlete services, and community engagement. The study also revealed how revenue generation through sports tourism and leisure activities can secure long-term stability while keeping programmes affordable. At the same time, the project identified areas where Malta can continue to grow such as developing athlete accommodation, integrated performance hubs, and structured dual-career support systems. Importantly, it also underlined the need for ongoing staff development.

One of the most rewarding outcomes was the establishment of a long-term partnership between SportMalta and Portuguese sports authorities. Future plans include reciprocal visits, joint workshops, and collaborative projects focused on governance, sustainability, and digital transformation. This relationship promises continued mutual learning and innovation between the two nations.

Looking forward, Malta can apply several key lessons from Portugal. Integrating training, accommodation, and sports science will create a more complete support system for athletes. Embracing sustainability measures will lower operational costs, while diversifying revenue through camps, events, and leisure services will build financial resilience. Strengthening dual-career pathways and empowering local councils to run inclusive community programmes will encourage participation at all levels. Digital tools can help improve scheduling, data collection, and reporting, making facility management smoother and efficient. Finally, developing multi-sport hubs and promoting a culture of operational excellence will raise the standard of Maltese sports facilities and make them accessible to all.

The Mobility Project has shown how effective governance, sustainability, and community involvement can elevate a nation’s sports system. For Malta, the path forward lies in creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Through this partnership with Portugal, SportMalta has taken a major step toward building a more integrated, sustainable, and community centred model of sports management, one that supports both elite athletes and everyday citizens alike. Ultimately, this project strengthens the vision of developing multipurpose, one-stop sports facilities that make sport a central pillar of Maltese life.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, St Thomas More College, Dun Ġużepp Żerafa Fgura Primary A proudly joined the national SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025 with two exciting and educational events aimed at promoting physical activity, inclusion, and fun.
All students from Year 1 to Year 3 participated in a dynamic Sports Day circuit, rotating through various activity stations that supported the development of fundamental movement skills such as running, hopping, balancing, and throwing. Based on the Ready-Set-Play framework, these activities encouraged teamwork, perseverance, and enjoyment while helping children strengthen their coordination and physical literacy.
Meanwhile, Kinder 1 and Kinder 2 pupils enjoyed balance-bike sessions designed to introduce them to early cycling skills in a safe and playful environment. These sessions helped young learners improve their confidence, balance, and gross motor coordination.
The day was a wonderful celebration of movement, learning, and joy, showing how staying active can build healthy habits, confidence, and community spirit from the earliest years.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, St. Thomas More College Tarxien Middle School proudly joined schools across Malta in celebrating the SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025, a day dedicated to promoting physical activity, teamwork, and fun among students.
Throughout the day, students took part in a variety of sports and physical challenges designed to encourage movement, cooperation, and a positive attitude toward health and fitness. The event created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, fair play, and strong school spirit.
The celebration truly reflected the goals of the European Week of Sport, inspiring students to #BeActive, stay healthy, and embrace sport as a source of energy, confidence, and connection.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, St. Margaret College Secondary School Verdala proudly celebrated the SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025 with a special focus on Para Sports and the values of inclusion, respect, and teamwork.

This year’s event had a profound impact on students, as they were introduced to Para Sports such as goalball and athletics for individuals with visual impairments. Through these activities, students experienced first-hand the challenges and strengths involved in adaptive sports, fostering empathy and understanding while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for everyone.

The event not only encouraged physical activity but also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in sport, showing that movement and participation are for all, regardless of ability.

As part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, Gozo College Ninu Cremona Secondary School proudly joined the national celebration of the SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2025 with a series of engaging and competitive activities designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and the spirit of fair play.

On 15th October 2025, the school organised both football and handball tournaments for Year 11 students, with eight teams taking part. The tournaments created an exciting and energetic atmosphere, with students showing impressive skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the games.

In addition, the school introduced a cricket lesson as part of the day’s activities, giving students the chance to explore and learn about a new sport. This initiative aimed to broaden students’ sporting experiences and encourage them to try different forms of physical activity.

The event was a great success, reflecting the true spirit of the European Week of Sport inspiring students to #BeActive, embrace new challenges, and enjoy the many benefits of staying active together.

St. Benedict College, Birżebbuġa Primary proudly took part in the SportMalta Schools Sports Day, a national initiative held as part of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign. The event aimed to inspire students to stay active, healthy, and engaged in physical education.
On the day, a total of 387 pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 participated in a variety of sports activities designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and enjoyment. Activities were held both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that every student could join in and experience the fun of being active.
The school’s three Physical Education teachers worked enthusiastically to organise and supervise the sessions, providing students with a memorable and engaging experience. Children thoroughly enjoyed the activities, which not only encouraged movement but also reinforced the importance of healthy living and cooperation.
This event has now become an annual highlight in the school calendar, helping to foster a culture of activity, health, and enjoyment of sport among all pupils. The school is proud to be part of this initiative and remains committed to inspiring the next generation to #BeActive and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.