European Week of Sport 2026 – Main National Event and #BeActive Night

The Kirkop Sports Complex played host on Saturday evening to the European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night, as SportMalta brought together families, young people and the wider community for an evening combining sport, physical activity and entertainment. Entry was free of charge, and the event was designed to welcome children, adults, athletes and people of all abilities in equal measure.

The event formed part of the European Week of Sport, an initiative of the European Commission that encourages people across Europe to adopt a more physically active lifestyle. From 17:00 onwards, the Kirkop Sports Complex was given over to a wide-ranging programme of sport activities and fitness challenges

More Than 20 Sports Organisations Take Part

More than 20 sports organisations and disciplines took part in the event, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the range of sport available in Malta, meet the organisations behind them and try the activities themselves. Basketball, volleyball, tennis, rugby, handball, athletics, gymnastics, BMX, pickleball, martial arts, water polo/splash ball and Special Olympics, Bocce were among the disciplines represented across the complex.

The programme also included an Indoor Regatta Competition and the #BeActive Hybrid Sprint, which combined running with functional fitness exercises for participants looking to test their fitness and skills. A demonstration by the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme added further variety to the evening, highlighting the importance of movement and physical activity among children and young people.

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri was present at the event, touring the activity areas, meeting representatives of the participating sports organisations and engaging with parents and children.

During the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme demonstration, the Minister presented certificates to the children who had taken part in the programme, recognising their participation over the summer.

Health professionals were also present as part of Heart Day, offering advice to visitors and carrying out on-the-spot health tests, giving the public a further opportunity to look after their wellbeing alongside the evening’s sporting activities.

An Inclusive Evening for All Ages and Abilities

The event was structured to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment regardless of age or ability, giving visitors already involved in sport and those simply looking for an active evening with family and friends the chance to take part, discover new activities and learn more about the sporting opportunities available in Malta.

As the evening progressed, #BeActive Night broadened the programme further, bringing together sport, physical activity and entertainment through hybrid racing, CPD, weightlifting, abseiling, skateboarding, inflatables, VR experiences, dance and other activities. Participants who took part were presented with a certificate of participation, recognising their involvement in the European Week of Sport and their commitment to physical activity.

A Community Coming Together Through Sport

Saturday’s Main National Event and #BeActive Night reflected SportMalta’s ongoing commitment to increasing participation in physical activity, creating opportunities for people to discover sport, and strengthening collaboration between Malta’s national sports administration, sporting organisations and the wider community. 

As stated by SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar, “Bringing together such a broad range of disciplines under one roof, alongside a demonstration from the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme and an evening of live entertainment, gave the European Week of Sport a fitting close in Malta for another year.”

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.

Alpha Table Tennis Klabb held two activities on the 27th September 2026, continuing the club’s  commitment to making table tennis accessible to a wider section of the community. The programme  started with an Open Day for Persons with Parkinsons Disease and continued with the Alpha Plus One  Tournament, providing two different opportunities for people to experience table tennis in an inclusive,  welcoming and social environment. 

Open Day for Persons with Parkinsons 

This activity, which was attended by over 20 participants, provided an opportunity for persons who are  battling Parkinsons Disease to experience table tennis in a supportive environment and to discover a sport  which can be adapted to different levels of mobility, experience and physical ability. Alpha TTK is commited to promoting table tennis as an inclusive activity that assists people with Parkinsons in reducing the  symptoms of their condition. 

Beyond the sporting element, the Open Day also provided an important opportunity for participants to  meet others, socialise and enjoy physical activity together in a relaxed club environment.

Alpha Plus One Tournament 

The programme continued with the Alpha Plus One Tournament, with six teams competing in pairs. The  tournament was organised as another way of opening the club and the sport to a wider audience. Rather  than focusing solely on regular competitive players, the initiative supported Alpha TTK’s objective of  encouraging existing members and participants to share their sport with others and introduce more people  to table tennis. 

The tournament created a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere where participation and the shared  experience of playing table tennis were as important as the competitive element. By combining sport with  a social and accessible format, the Alpha Plus One Tournament demonstrated how club activities can  provide an entry point for people who would not normally train or compete in table tennis.

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.

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As part of the European Week of Sport 2026, Honey Island Rollers hosted a roller derby bout between Irkotta and Piżelli on Sunday 27 September at the National Sports School in Pembroke. The event brought together skaters, officials and volunteers for a morning of sport and community, which also included pastizzi.

The bout showcased the speed, strategy and teamwork of roller derby, giving those present the opportunity to see the sport in action. The friendly competition allowed participants and volunteers to come together in a positive and welcoming atmosphere, with the day’s activity centred on fair play and enjoyment of the game.

A Team Effort on and Off the Track

Roller derby relies on the contribution of many people, and the bout reflected this. Skaters competed on the track, while officials and volunteers played an important part in ensuring that the bout ran smoothly. The event gave everyone involved the chance to spend time together and share their enthusiasm for the sport.

Promoting an Active and Inclusive Approach to Sport

The event encouraged an active and inclusive approach to sport and promoted roller derby as an exciting and accessible sport in Malta. By opening the bout to those interested in seeing the sport first-hand, Honey Island Rollers helped raise awareness of roller derby within the local community.

The bout also reflected the European Week of Sport’s wider aim of encouraging people of all ages to make sport and physical activity part of everyday life. Events such as this show that there are many ways to stay active, and that new and less traditional sports can also find a place within the community.

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.

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STRIVE took part in the European Week of Sport 2026 with a group functional fitness session held on Saturday 26 September at Żebbiegħ, Mġarr. The session brought the community together in a positive and enjoyable environment, promoting the importance of sport and movement.

Participants took part in an energetic team challenge, working in teams of six and motivating one another throughout the session. The format encouraged teamwork and support among participants, with everyone cheering each other on from start to finish.

Open to All Fitness Levels

The session was designed to welcome people of all fitness levels, making it easy for anyone to get involved and try something new. Functional fitness focuses on everyday movements and overall strength, which makes it suitable for a wide range of participants.

Celebrating Movement and Community

The session reflected the European Week of Sport’s wider aim of encouraging people of all ages to make sport and physical activity part of everyday life. STRIVE thanked everyone who joined the session and celebrated the week through strength, movement and community. Photos from the session are shared below.

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.

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Wu Shu Ky Kickboxing Club in Mosta hosted a friendly sparring competition on Saturday 5 September as part of the European Week of Sport 2026. The event was well attended, with a large number of people coming to take part and watch on the day.

The competition gave participants the opportunity to put their training into practice in a friendly and supportive setting. Held at the club’s own premises, it also allowed members, families and visitors to see first-hand what training in combat sports involves.

Encouraging Participation in Sport

The event formed part of the European Week of Sport’s wider aim of encouraging people of all ages to be active and to make sport part of everyday life. Combat sports such as kickboxing combine fitness, discipline and technique, and club events of this kind help make them more visible within the local community.

A Positive Day for the Club

The turnout reflected the interest in the event among the local community, and the atmosphere throughout the day remained positive and welcoming. Photos from the event are shared below.

“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.”

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An aerobics session for elderly residents of Santa Lucija and Ta’ Xbiex was held on Saturday 12 September in Ta’ Xbiex, as part of the European Week of Sport 2026 activities. The session gave participants the opportunity to take part in light, group-based physical activity in a friendly and welcoming setting.

The session was designed to suit a range of abilities, encouraging older adults to keep active at their own pace. Regular movement remains an important part of healthy ageing, and community-based sessions such as this make it easier for residents to take part close to home.

Breakfast and Time Together

Following the session, participants stayed on for breakfast, which gave them the chance to socialise and spend time together. The gathering allowed residents from both localities to meet, talk and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere.

Staying Active in the Community

The initiative reflects the aims of the European Week of Sport, which encourages people of all ages to be active and to make sport and physical activity part of everyday life. By combining exercise with social interaction, the session highlighted that being active can also mean staying connected with others in the community.

“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.”

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SportMalta invites families, young people and the wider community to join the European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night — free of charge

SportMalta is inviting everyone to come along, get active and enjoy an evening of sport, entertainment and community spirit as the European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the Kirkop Sports Complex from 17:00 onwards.

Entry is completely free of charge, with families, children, young people, adults, athletes and people of all abilities encouraged to attend and take part in the wide range of activities being offered throughout the evening.

The event forms part of the European Week of Sport, an initiative of the European Commission aimed at encouraging people across Europe to become more physically active and adopt a more active lifestyle.

The Kirkop Sports Complex will come alive with the participation of more than 20 sports organisations and disciplines, providing the public with an opportunity to discover the variety of sports available in Malta, meet sporting organisations and, most importantly, have a go themselves.

Visitors will be able to experience activities including basketball, volleyball, tennis, rugby, handball, athletics, gymnastics, BMX, pickleball, martial arts, kickboxing, Special Olympics and water polo/splashball, among others.

The programme will also feature an Indoor Regatta Competition and the #BeActive Hybrid Sprint, combining running with functional fitness exercises for participants looking to test their skills and fitness.

Adding further variety to the evening will be a demonstration by the Let’s Move Malta Summer Programme, highlighting the importance of movement and physical activity among children and young people.

Something for everyone

The event has been designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities. Whether visitors are already involved in sport or simply looking for a fun and active evening with family and friends, there will be opportunities to participate, discover new activities and learn more about the sporting opportunities available in Malta.

As the evening continues, #BeActive Night will bring together sport, physical activity and entertainment in an extended programme featuring hybrid racing, CPD, weightlifting, abseiling, skateboarding, inflatables, VR experiences, dance and other activities.

Participants will also be presented with a certificate of participation, recognising their involvement in the European Week of Sport and their commitment to taking part in physical activity.

The evening will then move into its entertainment finale with a live concert featuring Janvil, Aiden and Martina, giving the public another reason to stay on and enjoy the atmosphere at the Kirkop Sports Complex.

Come along and #BeActive

SportMalta is making a clear invitation to the public: bring your family, invite your friends and spend your Saturday evening being active, discovering sport and enjoying live entertainment — all free of charge.

The European Week of Sport Main National Event and #BeActive Night will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and experience first-hand the many ways in which sport and physical activity can form part of everyday life.

The initiative reflects SportMalta’s commitment to increasing participation in physical activity, creating opportunities for people to discover sport and strengthening collaboration between Malta’s national sports administration, sporting organisations and the wider community.

Everyone is welcome. Come along, try something new, get active and be part of the celebration

SportMalta officially launched this year’s European Week of Sport on Monday 14 September at Sala Teddie Borg, Cottonera Sports Complex. The launch marks the eleventh consecutive year that Malta has taken part in the European Commission initiative, which runs from 23 to 30 September and encourages participation in sport regardless of age, background or fitness level.

The event opened with a recap of last year’s European Week of Sport, before moving to remarks from key figures involved in this year’s campaign and an introduction to its ambassadors.

National Coordinator Rose Marie Mercieca Introduces the Campaign

National Coordinator for the European Week of Sport, Rose Marie Mercieca, formally introduced this year’s campaign, outlining the programme of activities planned across schools, local communities and sporting organisations.

SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar Addresses Importance of the Campaign

SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutajar spoke about the importance of taking up sport and physical activity, underlining SportMalta’s commitment to making Malta a more active nation.

Campaign Ambassadors Katryna Esposito and Sasha Gatt

This year’s European Week of Sport ambassadors, Katryna Esposito and Sasha Gatt, were introduced during the event. Both ambassadors shared a similar message, encouraging people not to be afraid to start, urging them to find a physical activity they enjoy and to try to keep it up every day, noting that staying active carries lasting benefits for one’s life.

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri Delivers Official Address

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri delivered the official address, highlighting the beneficial impact of sport and physical activity on health and wellbeing. He said that everyone, regardless of age, should take part in physical activity in some form, noting that the European Week of Sport helps people to move more and to lead a better life, both physically and mentally.

Campaign Officially Launched

The event closed with a promotional video marking the official start of European Week of Sport 2026. Organisers called on the public to take part in whichever way suits them, whether through sport, physical activity, or simply taking a first step towards a more active lifestyle.

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.

White Hart Hockey Club marked the end of the summer with a morning of hockey, fun and community on Saturday 5th September, bringing together around 100 people, including young players, parents and coaches. The event was organised as an opportunity for children and young people to come together through sport in an inclusive and supportive setting.

Players of different levels of experience took part, ranging from those discovering hockey for the first time to those already developing their skills and passion for the sport. The morning was built around energy, enjoyment and participation, with the club’s growing team of coaches, together with the involvement of parents, helping to create a positive atmosphere throughout.

A Morning Built Around Participation and Fun

The event catered to a wide range of experience levels, giving newcomers a first introduction to the sport while allowing more established young players the chance to continue building on their skills. The mix of beginners and more experienced participants, playing alongside one another, reflected the club’s broader focus on accessibility and enjoyment as the foundation for long-term development.

Coaches and Parents Central to the Atmosphere

The involvement of parents and the commitment of White Hart Hockey Club’s growing coaching team were central to the morning, with both playing a role in creating an environment where participants could take part, learn and enjoy being part of the hockey community. The event underlined the extent to which the club’s activities depend on that combination of coaching structure and family engagement.

Encouraging a Stronger Sporting Community

The focus of the event was on participation, enjoyment and development through hockey, giving young people the opportunity to be active, learn new skills, build confidence and develop values such as teamwork, respect and fair play. Beyond the morning itself, the event was also intended to encourage more children and families to get involved in sport, contributing to a stronger, healthier and more active sporting community.

“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.”

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Ghajnsielem Local Council marked this year’s European Week of Sport with a Traditional Sports Games evening, held as part of the Europe-wide #BeActive campaign encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in physical activity. The event drew a strong turnout from the local community, with over 120 participants taking part across the evening.

The European Week of Sport is an annual initiative promoted by the European Commission, aimed at encouraging participation in sport and physical activity regardless of age, background or fitness level. Local councils across Malta and Gozo take part in the campaign each year through community-based events, and Ghajnsielem’s contribution this year took the form of a traditional games evening designed to be accessible to families and residents of all ages.

A Well-Attended Evening of Traditional Games

The Traditional Sports Games event brought together residents for an evening centred on games with local and generational roots, offering a lighter, family-oriented alternative to more structured sporting formats. Organisers described the turnout and atmosphere as a success, with participants of different ages taking part alongside one another throughout the evening.

Welcoming Young Guests from Ukraine

Among those taking part in the evening was a group of ten children from Ukraine, currently living in areas near the border with Russia, who have lost their parents as a result of the war. As a gesture of welcome, the group was presented with SportMalta backpacks containing additional merchandise, a small token intended to mark their participation in the event alongside the local community.

Community Spirit at the Heart of the Campaign

Events of this kind reflect the way the #BeActive campaign is carried forward at a local level, with councils across Malta and Gozo using the European Week of Sport as an opportunity to bring residents together through informal, inclusive activity. Ghajnsielem’s Traditional Sports Games evening added a further, more personal dimension to that spirit of inclusion, with the presence and welcome extended to the visiting children from Ukraine standing out as a particular highlight of the evening.

“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.”

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