SportMalta attended the European Union Peer Learning Activity on sport tourism, held on 25 and 26 June 2026 in Salzburg City in Austria. The two-day event, co-funded by the European Union and organised under the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, brought together sport and tourism officials from across EU member states to examine sport tourism as a driver of economic growth and regional development.

SportMalta was represented and delivered a presentation on Malta’s approach to sport tourism. The activity focused on sport as a driver of tourism, examining data-based insights and policy impact through presentations, keynote addresses and panel discussions on the current landscape of sport tourism across Europe and its potential for policy development.

Malta’s Sport Tourism Offer

SportMalta’s presentation outlined the role that sport tourism plays within Malta’s wider tourism strategy, noting its importance in attracting visitors beyond the peak summer season. Malta’s mild climate, coastal environment and modern sports facilities were highlighted as key assets, with the country’s offer spanning football and athletics training camps, diving and water sports, sailing and yachting, and open-water swimming competitions. Cooperation between SportMalta and the Malta Tourism Authority supports shared objectives including diversifying tourism products, reducing seasonality and supporting local economic development through sports events and training camps.

Major International Events

Malta’s recent hosting record formed a central part of the presentation. SportMalta managed the National Pool Complex at Tal-Qroqq and the Cottonera Sports Complex for the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Division 2 in 2026, and supported the European Aquatics Champions League Final Four, both of which attracted international athletes, officials and supporters. The annual Rolex Middle Sea Race, departing from the Grand Harbour, and the Traditional Regatta, organised twice yearly by SportMalta, were also cited alongside Special Olympics Malta as events combining sporting and cultural value with measurable tourism impact.

Looking Ahead

Malta’s participation in the Salzburg peer learning activity reflects SportMalta’s ongoing engagement with European sport policy networks and its commitment to positioning the island as a year-round destination for sporting activity and international competition.

The COOP Services National Long Course Championships 2025/26 took place at the SportMalta Cottonera Sport Complex, Cospicua from Thursday 26 June to Sunday 29 June 2026, bringing together 373 athletes representing 17 clubs across four days of competitive long course swimming. The event served as one of the principal fixtures on the national aquatics calendar, attracting participants from across Malta as well as a number of international entries from Turkey and France. Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri attended the championships, following the ongoing competition, alongside the President of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, Karl Izzo, and the Chief Executive Officer of SportMalta, Mark Cutajar.

A total of 373 athletes — 206 men and 167 women — generated 1,789 individual entries and 81 relay entries across the four days. The championships drew clubs of varying sizes, from large established squads to smaller visiting contingents, with competition spanning all age groups from the youngest categories through to senior open events.

Top Three Clubs

Neptunes WPSC claimed the top spot on the medal table with an emphatic 42 gold, 42 silver, and 24 bronze medals, demonstrating considerable depth across both their male and female squads. Sliema ASC finished second with 32 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze medals, while Southwaves Swimming Club rounded out the top three with 11 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

Records Broken

Two age group records fell during the championships. Martina Galea of Aquahub set a new Group C Women’s Age Group Record in the 50m Butterfly, clocking 29.60 to claim gold in that event. Madeleine Cassar of Neptunes WPSC broke the Group D Women’s Age Group Record in the 200m Butterfly, finishing in 2:25.59 in what was an impressive individual championship across multiple events.

International Participation

The championships also welcomed international representation, with Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü from Turkey contributing nine athletes across 34 individual events, alongside entries from Fmv Isik Spor Kulübü, MUC Natation, and individual representatives from Turkey. This international presence added further competitive depth to the proceedings and provided Maltese athletes with the opportunity to race against swimmers from beyond the national circuit.

Inclusive Sport at the Championships

Special Olympics Malta’s participation was a notable feature of the championships. Fourteen athletes — eight men and six women — competed in 24 individual events and two relay entries, reflecting the ongoing integration of Special Olympics athletes into mainstream competitive swimming at national level.

A Strong Close to the Season

With two age group records broken, a medal table topped convincingly by Neptunes WPSC, and a combined total of 1,870 individual and relay entries across 17 clubs, the COOP Services National Long Course Championships 2025/26 represented a fitting and well-attended conclusion to the long course season.

Coach education sits at the foundation of any well-functioning sporting system. Without qualified, knowledgeable coaches working at grassroots level, the pathway from first participation to sustained athletic development becomes harder to sustain. It was in this context that Malta hosted the in-person component of the inaugural European Aquatics Level 1 Swimming Coaches’ Course from 26 to 28 June 2026, with sessions taking place at the National Pool Complex in Gżira.

The course was organised by European Aquatics, the governing body for aquatic sports across the continent in collaboration with SportMalta, represented the first edition of a structured qualification pathway designed to establish a consistent standard for swimming coaches at entry level. It formed part of the European Aquatics Strategic Plan 2024–2030, which places education and coach development at the centre of the organisation’s long-term priorities. SportMalta supported the hosting of the in-person component locally, reflecting Malta’s active role in European sport development networks and its capacity to facilitate international educational programmes at national-level facilities.

Programme and Delivery

The course was delivered across two phases — online sessions running from April to June, followed by the three-day in-person block in Malta. The in-person sessions were led by two specialist educators: Robin Pla, who delivered modules on Coaching in Swimming and Training Methods and Planning in Swimming across all three days, and Henrique Neiva, who led the Introduction to Training in Swimming module on Friday and Saturday. Sessions ran from morning through to early evening, offering participants an intensive and structured learning experience over the course of the weekend.

The full curriculum covered six modules totalling over 70 hours of content, spanning Sport Science Fundamentals, Introduction to Swimming, Coaching in Swimming, Training Methods and Planning in Swimming, Introduction to Training in Swimming, and the Swim Safe Europe — Learn to Swim module.

Learning Outcomes and Qualification Standards

Participants who completed the course gained a grounding in swimming technique analysis, sport science principles, athlete development frameworks, safeguarding responsibilities, and session planning and delivery. The Level 1 qualification is aimed at those entering coaching, equipping them to assist in planning and delivering swimming sessions and to apply fundamental sport science principles in practice.

Beyond technical knowledge, the course placed emphasis on professional conduct and values — including a commitment to safe practice, inclusion, participant welfare, and continuous self-improvement. Coaches were expected to demonstrate a participant-centred approach and the adaptability required to support swimmers across different stages of development. In doing so, the qualification reflects European Aquatics’ broader ambition to raise coaching standards consistently across its member nations.

The Malta Karate Federation National Championships 2026 took place at the Cottonera Sports Complex over the weekend, bringing together 202 athletes in a competition that celebrated the core values of the sport. Participants ranged in age from five to 45, competing across Kata and Kumite disciplines and representing a broad cross-section of the local karate community. The hard work, commitment, and perseverance that athletes had invested throughout the year were on clear display across both days of competition.

The weekend’s programme reflected the spirit that defines karate at every level: sportsmanship, discipline, respect, and determination. Athletes who had trained consistently throughout the year were given the opportunity to demonstrate their progress in a competitive environment that recognised both technical skill and personal commitment. The varied age range of participants — from young children entering competition for the first time to experienced seniors — underlined the sport’s breadth across generations.

Competition on the Tatami

Competitors took to the tatami across both Kata and Kumite categories, with strong entries in each. Kata events demanded precision, controlled movement, and clarity of form, while Kumite bouts called for tactical awareness and composure under pressure. Together, the two formats offered a comprehensive showcase of what the sport demands from its practitioners at the national level.

The breadth of participation — spanning four decades of age groups — highlighted the inclusive nature of karate and the investment that clubs across Malta have made in developing athletes at all stages. For many younger competitors, the championships represented an important early milestone; for more experienced athletes, an opportunity to continue performing at the highest domestic level.

Looking Ahead to the Small States of Europe Karate Championships

With the national championships concluded, attention turns to an international stage. Malta is set to host the Small States of Europe Karate Championships this October, welcoming nine nations to the island. The event will provide Maltese athletes with the opportunity to compete against counterparts from across the Small States community, testing themselves at the international level while on home ground.

For athletes who performed at this weekend’s national championships, the October event represents a clear and tangible next goal as preparations continue through the summer. The Malta Karate Federation National Championships 2026 provided a strong foundation for the months ahead, and the level of participation and commitment shown across all age groups reflects the continued effort to keep karate active, competitive, and growing in Malta.

Minister for Education and Sport Hon. Byron Camilleri held an open discussion meeting at SportMalta headquarters with stakeholders involved in the traditional Regattas. The meeting formed part of a broader effort to maintain Government support for one of Malta’s long-established sporting traditions.

Those present included representatives from SportMalta, regatta clubs and associations, and members of the committee appointed by the Ministry. The session gave stakeholders the opportunity to set out their views, raise concerns, and put forward proposals relating to the organisation and future direction of the sport.

Topics Discussed

A range of initiatives were presented and debated during the meeting, with discussions centred on the administration of the sport, the drafting of a new statute to provide a clearer regulatory framework, the allocation of boats to clubs, and ways to raise the overall standard and visibility of Regatta events. The exchange was structured around the shared objective of ensuring the sport’s continued development.

Government Position and the Importance of Cooperation

Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri indicated that the Government intends to maintain its support for the sport and the people involved in it. He noted that resources and assistance would remain available on the condition that club’s approach key decisions collectively and in a constructive spirit. The Minister identified governance, administration, and long-term planning as areas where agreement among clubs would be particularly important.

Youth Development

The development of nurseries and youth participation featured prominently in the discussions. There was general agreement among stakeholders that sustained investment in younger athletes is necessary if the sport is to retain its footing across future generations. Several proposals were put forward aimed at strengthening youth programmes and broadening participation at club level.

Response from Club Representatives

Club representatives expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the Minister, noting that the meeting had taken place shortly after he assumed office. The session was broadly described as constructive, with participants highlighting the importance of open communication between the authorities and those active in the sport. The willingness of all parties to engage in dialogue was seen as a positive step forward.

SportMalta is proud to be supporting the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final Four, organised by European Aquatics and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), at the National Swimming Complex Tal-Qroqq this week.

For the first time ever, both the men’s and women’s Final Four tournaments will be held at the same venue during the same week. Malta has hosted the men’s Final Four for the past two years, and this year the women’s top clubs join them on the same stage.

Eight of Europe’s best water polo clubs — four men’s and four women’s — will compete from June 10 to 13 for the Champions League title.

Men’s competition

The four men’s clubs competing are Ferencvárosi TC (Hungary), Pro Recco (Italy), Zodiac Atlètic-Barceloneta (Spain) and Olympiacos SFP (Greece).

Ferencváros are the defending champions, having won the title in Malta in both 2024 and 2025. Pro Recco, 11-time European champions, will be looking to stop them from winning a third title in a row. Barceloneta qualified unbeaten from the quarter-finals stage, while Olympiacos clinched their place after winning a penalty shootout against AN Brescia on the last day of qualification.

Women’s competition

The four women’s clubs competing are Ferencvárosi TC (Hungary), Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece), Assolim CN Matarò (Spain) and reigning champions CN Sant Andreu (Spain).

Sant Andreu won the title last year and are back to defend it. In the semi-finals, Ferencváros face Sant Andreu, while Matarò take on Olympiacos. Both Ferencváros and Olympiacos have their men’s and women’s teams in Malta, giving both clubs the chance to win both titles.

Schedule

• Wednesday, June 10 – Women’s Semi-Finals (19:00 and 21:00)
• Thursday, June 11 – Men’s Semi-Finals (19:00 and 21:00)
• Friday, June 12 – Women’s Bronze Medal Match (19:00); Women’s Final (21:00)
• Saturday, June 13 – Men’s Bronze Medal Match (19:00); Men’s Final (21:00) All matches will be played at the National Swimming Complex, Tal-Qroqq.

Tickets are available at www.showshappening.com/Aquatic-Sports-Association-of-Malta/european-aquatics-champions-league-men-women-final-4-malta-2026

Malta’s national push toward a healthier, more active lifestyle reached a resounding peak this past week as the annual Sport Village brought together thousands of participants.

Held from Wednesday, May 20th to Saturday, May 23rd, the four-day event transformed the MFCC in Ta’ Qali into an energetic hub of movement, excitement, and community spirit, emphasizing that sport truly is for everyone.

The event organized by is-Servizz Pubbliku in collaboration with SportMalta, kicked off with a major focus on the island’s youth. From Wednesday through Friday, the Sport Village welcomed thousands of school students. These dynamic sessions were designed to get children moving, encouraging them to work as a team, and giving them the opportunity to have fun while trying out different sports that are not usually accessible within the standard school curriculum.

Interactive stations allowed students to try everything from enhanced traditional team sports to unique individual disciplines. To add to the excitement, students who successfully completed five different sports stations earned access to the virtual reality (VR) sports station or could choose merchandise, perfectly rewarding their physical efforts.

On Friday evening, the focus shifted to the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) Competition. The competition included participation from trained athletes as well as other local contenders, spanning all ages from children to adults. This event allowed individuals to test their personal fitness and agility on a specially constructed course.

Saturday was dedicated to celebrating inclusive sport, with the Sport Village welcoming participants from the SportMalta ‘Let’s Move’ Programme alongside athletes from Special Olympics Malta. The venue was filled with positive energy as these athletes demonstrated their sports skills and shared their passion for physical activity. Parents also took part in the various fun challenges and exercises alongside their children, highlighting the importance of family teamwork, mutual support, and broader community inclusion.

PPS Event – Ta’ Qali Sports Day

The event concluded on Saturday afternoon with strong participation numbers recorded across all four days of activity. By successfully integrating morning school sports, innovative VR rewards, competitive evening racing, and inclusive weekend programmes for families and athletes of all abilities, this year’s Sport Village effectively promoted the long-term benefits of active living and successfully made physical activity accessible to the entire Maltese community.

Malta today marked a significant milestone in the development of aquatic sports with the official launch of the Coaches’ Educational Framework and Pathway and the introduction of the Swimming Coaches Course – Level 1. The initiative represents a coordinated effort to elevate coaching standards and support long-term athlete development across the islands.

The launch event brought together key stakeholders from both local and European sporting bodies. Among those present were European Aquatics President Antonio Silva, Aquatic Sports Association of Malta President Karl Izzo, Vice President for Swimming David Bonello, and representatives from SportMalta including CEO Mark Cutajar, Director of Corporate Services Rose Marie Mercieca, and Deputy Chairman Keith Bartolo.

The programme is designed to provide structured education and development opportunities for selected coaches, equipping them with the tools necessary to enhance athlete performance while promoting safe and inclusive sporting environments.

At the core of this initiative is the Level 1 coaching course, which aims to build foundational competencies in aspiring swimming coaches. By the end of the course, participants are expected to gain a solid understanding of key sport science principles, swimming techniques, and effective training methodologies. Additionally, coaches will develop the ability to analyse athlete performance, contribute to the delivery of structured training sessions, and adapt their coaching strategies to suit varying stages of athlete development.

Beyond technical knowledge, the programme places strong emphasis on ethical responsibilities and professionalism. Coaches are encouraged to adopt a participant-centred approach, foster positive sporting experiences, and commit to continuous self-improvement. Adaptability, communication, and leadership are also highlighted as essential qualities for modern coaching practice.

The course will be structured through a series of online lectures, culminating in an online examination, followed by an intensive practical session delivered directly by European Aquatics. This programme is designed as a continuous learning pathway meaning that once qualified, coaches are required to renew their certification every two years through additional online learning and assessments provided by European Aquatics. This ensures that all coaches remain up to date, maintain high standards, and stay well informed on the latest developments in the sport.

This initiative forms part of the broader national campaign Let’s Move Malta, spearheaded by SportMalta. The campaign aims to increase physical activity levels across the population, encouraging healthier lifestyles through greater participation in sport and exercise. It focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term engagement, ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities can benefit from structured physical activity programmes.

Further details about the campaign can be found here: Let’s Move Malta initiative

The introduction of a formalised coaching pathway aligns with the campaign’s objectives by strengthening the quality of sports delivery at grassroots level. Well-trained coaches play a critical role in inspiring participation, nurturing talent, and maintaining high standards of safety and development within sport.

Today’s launch signals Malta’s commitment to investing in its coaching workforce and aligning with European best practices. With continued collaboration between national and international bodies, the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the growth and success of aquatic sports in Malta.

SportMalta Chairman Matthew Pisani says the island’s sporting direction is built around an inclusive, “holistic” ecosystem that reaches from grassroots participation to elite performance. In a recent interview with SiGMA News, he pointed to growing demand for physical activity, the need for continued investment in facilities and programmes, and Malta’s advantage as a compact, well-connected destination that can deliver international competitions and long-term value through sports tourism and partnerships.

“A holistic system and inclusive environment”

Asked what kind of sporting ecosystem Malta is trying to build, Pisani keeps coming back to one guiding idea: access.

“We’ve built a holistic system and inclusive environment where everyone can participate. Everyone can compete, we are not leaving anyone behind,” he says.

That means designing programmes with broad participation in mind. “We try as much as possible to cater to or create our programmes so that they are available for everyone and inclusive,” Pisani explains.

But he also makes the case that inclusion has to be supported by resources. “I think there should be more investment,” he says, adding that feedback from the public is clear: “People are reacting very well, and they are participating a lot.”

With participation rising, Pisani argues the next steps must keep pace. “We need to keep on investing in programmes, in facilities,” he says, linking it to a shift in attitudes locally: “The Maltese population is becoming aware of the importance of physical activity.”

For SportMalta, that focus sits alongside elite sport. “One of the main pillars for Sport Malta, apart from sport, which we cater for elite sport as well, is physical activity for everyone,” he told SiGMA News. And when it comes to what needs extra attention, his answer is direct: “Facilities.”

Putting Malta on the international map

On Malta’s global position, Pisani points first to geography and practicality. “Malta is well positioned in the Mediterranean,” he says, and he believes the country’s compact size is an advantage: “Because Malta is compact, our facilities and complexes are always nearby.”

That proximity, he says, helps Malta attract international activity, including high-profile aquatics events. He cites the European Water Polo Championships, which “will be organised in June,” and adds that “earlier in April, there will be the world championships of water polo as well, of both men and women.”

Beyond the calendar, he stresses delivery. “Given that we have our organisation team who deliver very good results, people are talking,” he says. The outcome, in his view, is a stronger reputation abroad: “They are now recognising Malta as one of the main countries in the EU where you can hold and organise European championships of the highest levels.”

The people behind the athletes, and the partnerships ahead

Pisani is keen to widen the spotlight beyond athletes. “We always talk about athletes…but we try as well to focus on the administrators, the coaches,” he says, describing investment in “capacity building” so staff can “keep on offering the best service.”

He also sees partnerships as essential to staying relevant. “If you do not invest in new niches, you’ll become slow,” he warns. SportMalta, he says, is looking outward: “We try to explore new niches… and we hold a lot of discussions with both national and international stakeholders.”

As the gaming sector grows, he believes links with sport can deepen too: “I believe that one day we will see more investment vis-a-vis Sport Malta and the gaming community as well.”

“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.”

At the conclusion of SportMalta’s conference “Celebrating Sport in Malta”, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima and the Chairman of SportMalta Mr Matthew Pisani announced the allocation of more than €1.7 million (€1,786,993) in government financial assistance to the sports sector through SportMalta. This funding will benefit 112 sports associations and organisations and is aimed at supporting athletes and sports practitioners in meeting their international sporting commitments.

The financial assistance is being distributed through three key SportMalta schemes, the International Participation Scheme, the Bed-Night Scheme, and the Paralympic Scheme. These schemes are designed to strengthen Malta’s sporting ecosystem by ensuring that athletes and organisations receive the necessary support to compete, train, and host events at an international level.

As part of this funding package, the Paralympic Scheme has been allocated a dedicated amount of €250,000. This allocation is specifically earmarked for Paralympic athletes and organisations, providing essential assistance for structured training programmes as well as the purchase of specialised sporting equipment. This investment reflects SportMalta’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities in sport, ensuring that Paralympic athletes are supported in reaching their full potential on the international stage.

SportMalta, has for many years operated schemes aimed at attracting sports tourism to Malta and Gozo. Through experience and continuous consultation with stakeholders, these schemes have been refined and improved to become more effective and beneficial to the local sports sector.

Over the years, the Bed-Night Scheme has been revamped to ensure that sports entities benefit in a fair and equitable manner, taking into consideration the scale of the event organised, and the number of bed-nights generated by foreign participants. As a result, Federations, Associations, Clubs, and Foundations are encouraged to take advantage of this scheme, which not only supports sport but also contributes positively to the tourism and local economy. Thanks to the continued development of this initiative, an increasing number of sports entities apply for the scheme every year.

In addition, SportMalta continues to operate the International Participation Scheme, which is intended to assist national teams and individual athletes forming part of National Sports Organisations in their technical preparations for international competitions abroad. This includes participation in overseas competitions, club tournaments, and training camps endorsed by the relevant National Sports Organisation.

Through this scheme, SportMalta provides partial financial assistance towards expenses incurred by National Sports Organisations when participating in international competitions and training camps abroad. This support plays a crucial role in enhancing athlete preparation, performance, and exposure at the highest levels of competition.

Together, these schemes reaffirm SportMalta’s commitment to investing in sport, supporting athletes, and strengthening Malta’s presence on the international sporting stage.