In the presence of the minister for Inclusion and Quality of Life the Hon Julia
Farrugia Portelli and the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and
Voluntary Organizations the Hon Dr. Clifton Grima, the government through
SportMalta signed a contract wherein the land on which store number 36,
Barriera Wharf, Valletta has been transferred to the Birżebbuġa
Regatta Club.

Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said how “this Government believes that sport is
one of the contributors for a better quality of life. In fact, this year we are
investing €13 million in projects and capital investment in sports, to give young
people the best platforms to practice different disciplines”. She mentioned
that after years of waiting, this project will make a big difference for the
Birżebbuġa Regatta Club rowers, who now can now train at the Grand Harbour
itself, therefore on the actual elements and currents in which the regatta takes
place. She concluded by saying that “our country is very fortunate to find many
volunteers to run sports entities amongst others. If it wasn’t for them it would
not have been easy for such entities not only to be initiated but to continue.
Therefore it is the duty of the Government to do everything possible to assist
this voluntary work.”

Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Clifton Grima explained how through this transfer
Regatta Club Birżebbuġa will have a store where they can keep their boats. He
went on to say that the Government’s commitment is to continue to fulfil its
electoral sports promises. He stated that this Government wants to adopt and
strengthen a sports culture from an early age. “As a Government, we are aware
that to do this we need to invest in sports facilities and associations
themselves, and that’s what we’re doing today. We believe in giving facilities
and help so that sports clubs can continue to grow and improve their services,
ultimately our children will gain and enjoy it all. This Government is committed
in investing so together we do another leap in quality. We want every sport to
be given the opportunity to flourish” said the Parliamentary Secretary.

Dr Luciano Busuttil, SportMalta Chairman reminded that this land donation
process boosts sports associations to continue to grow and attract more
youngsters and children to sport. When a club is given land, it is given autonomy to grow without other direct help by attracting investment.
Birżebbuġa Regatta Club president, Mr. Ian Farrugia described this event as a
dream come true, through which the club is looking forward to continuing
offering the best training necessary, now more than before since the land has
been transferred to them. This Government is committed to carry out various
projects for the benefit of several sport disciplines, while encouraging
organizations to get up and strengthen so to give athletes all the space to

develop and excel in sports.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organizations the
Hon Dr. Clifton Grima, along with Pembroke Local Council Mayor, Mr Dean Hili
and SportMalta Chief Executive Officer Mr Mark Cutajar, inaugurated a
basketball pitch in the 4 th of July Garden, with a total investment of around
€105,000 from SportMalta and the Pembroke Local Council.
Besides the renovation of the surrounding garden and change of fencing, the
investment includes painting of the basketball pitch floor and the installation
of new lighting and basketball equipment.
In his speech, Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Clifton Grima emphasized that
because of this investment many families will benefit from this open space
which has been abandoned for the last few years. Whilst thanking SportMalta
and the Pembroke Local Council for their valuable work, he stressed that
SportMalta is in the process of assessing different sites around Malta and Gozo
to transform them into sports facilities that will serve as recreation for the

whole family.
“These facilities will be rebuilt or renovated with the intention to bring
communities closer together for more social interaction”, added Parliamentary
Secretary Dr.Grima.
SportMalta Chief Executive Mark Cutajar said that one of SportMalta’s main
goals is to encourage children and young people to practice sports and physical
activity outdoors. That is why SportMalta has invested €600,000 so together
with Local Councils they identify playing fields and open spaces to be used for
outdoor sports.
Pembroke Mayor Mr Dean Hili stressed that over the last two legislatures the
need has been felt to revitalize this public space, although repairs were carried
out regularly, a substantial financial injection was needed to improve the
facilities to meet our aspirations. He called for respect for these new facilities
so our youngsters will be able to practice sports and enjoy the open space for
free.

We were Inpulse and these were the ideals that we strived to uphold. In the end, it was the talented people and the unmatched work they did that mattered the most…
Legwork lives on in the things we created, our memories, shared experiences and, so we don’t forget, here for good measure. It has truly been an amazing decade–goodbye.