Have you ever wondered what the traditional mark laying before a sailing regatta, involves? Well in this article you will learn that it is not just a question of leaving a buoy on the water for sailors to go round during a race.  

In the world of sailing regattas, the art of mark laying emerges as a pivotal element, orchestrating the creation of a challenging yet equitable course. This meticulous process involves strategic positioning of markers, considering factors like wind direction and strength. Coordination with the Race Committee, precise placement of starting and finishing marks, and the deployment of windward and leeward markers contribute to the seamless execution of the regatta. Adapting to wind shifts, ensuring safety through well-anchored marks, and transparent communication with competitors enhance the overall racing experience. The mark laying procedure, with its vigilant monitoring during races and diligent post-race retrieval, serves as the unsung hero, guaranteeing the integrity and excitement of every sailing competition. 

You might realize that all this needs special skills and most of all, it is time consuming. The Malta Sailing Federation explored the market to mitigate this situation. In the realm of maritime technology, the advent of GPS buoys marks a significant stride in enhancing navigation precision and facilitating scientific exploration. These buoys are ingeniously designed with integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, enabling real-time tracking of their exact geographical coordinates. Widely applied in marine navigation, oceanography, and environmental monitoring, GPS buoys play a pivotal role in capturing a dynamic snapshot of our oceans. Beyond mere location tracking, these buoys often incorporate additional sensors to gather valuable data on factors like water temperature, salinity, and weather conditions. This comprehensive information, transmitted to central monitoring stations or accessed remotely, not only bolsters maritime safety but also fuels scientific research and environmental stewardship. The GPS buoy, a beacon of technological innovation, stands as a crucial tool in unraveling the mysteries of our vast and intricate oceans.                 

SportMalta, through its NDSF funds, purchased a set of these buoys which according to the President of the Malta Sailing Federation, Michael Mifsud, were a game changer for the world of dinghy sailing in Malta. 

The GPS buoys were blessed today by Fr Ruben, the Chaplin of Birżebbuġa, at the Birżebbuġa Sailing Club, where an international regatta is taking place.  

Vice-Chairman of SportMalta, Matthew Pisani, said that SportMalta is always willing to assist sport organizations and said that he was impressed by the dedication of the young talent present at the venue. 

Honorable Clifton Grima, who officially presented the GPS Buoys to the Malta Sailing Federation, said that the he was glad that the equipment would not just facilitate the work of the numorous volunteers, but also they continue to assist this sport to be even more environmentally sustainable.             

SportMalta is also assisting the sailing clubs, members of the Malta Sailing Federation with a high standard motor dinghy each, which vessels are highly efficient during regattas with their special specifications to fit the purpose. 

Following the successful conference Celebrating Sport in Malta held last week, SportMalta wrote another important page in its history with Prime Minister Robert Abela accompanied by Minister for Sport Clifton Grima and SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar inaugurated a €5.5 million Complex in Marsa.

This new development inaugurated is another complex in a chain of facilities that SportMalta has been constantly constructing for the benefit of the sporting community in Malta. 

After various upgrades of existing facilities in the surroundings, which included the 1^st and 2^nd phase of the Marsa Athletics’ Stadium as well as the restoration of the 1903 building, it is also yet another project out of a series of projects within the upgrade of the Marsa Sports Complex, in line with this Government’s vision, and plan, for the creation of the comprehensive Marsa Sports’ Village.

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The new complex was constructed to replace an existing derelict building which was constructed in the 1990s and never utilised. On Ground Floor, it houses a multi-purpose hall with sprung flooring that can be used for various activities. There are also changing rooms with showers and various rooms providing office space for Malta Netball Association, Malta Rugby Union, Malta Softball and Baseball Association and Malta Gymnastics Federation. It also provides meeting rooms to accommodate the needs of the clubs and federations as well as SportMalta’s own management of the Marsa Complex. On the first floor then, within the glass paned steel structure which complements distinctively the surrounding natural environment and the historic 1903 building, the complex has a 900 square metre floor area to accommodate Gymnastics and other sport.  The facility has a minimum clear height of 9 metres, serving well the regulatory requirements of the discipline, as well as a wooden sprung flooring covering the whole area. The complex also has various installations of gymnastics’ apparatus such as spring flooring, uneven bars, beam, parallel bars, etc. It also houses a spectator stand which can accommodate up to 300 seated persons, making this facility suitable to be used for competitions occasionally, thus providing our athletes with adequate space to showcase their performance of the discipline further to being a dedicated training venue, which without doubt, will be of the greatest benefit to the sport and our athletes.

Prime Minister Robert Abela referred to the determination of the children he met in this sports complex during the inauguration, and their desire to roam in the sport. Here, he reiterated that the Government would continue to invest in them because we want them to be able to aspire in Malta as much as any child from another country. “That is what we want for our children, that is the result of the work we are doing so that this is the guarantee we give them.”

He concluded that we also give this same guarantee to our communities, with projects like this one, which in its design uses the principle that from the investment in the new facilities, the community also benefits, which today from a building that had been abandoned since the year it was built, has a sports facility of the highest level together with a multipurpose hall that you can use.

 “This is our vision for the communities. Healthy, vibrant, well-served, inclusive, clean and beautiful communities. Therefore, we are investing in communities more than ever, whatever the sector. I believe, however, that the sports sector beyond the sports facilities is also a reflection of the values ​​and aspirations we embrace as a community, as a country. We must continue to build a Malta where sport is not only a career or a hobby, but also remains a source of pride, of national unity and of inspiration not only for today’s generations but also for those of tomorrow.”

Minister Clifton Grima looked at the work being done with an unprecedented investment in this sports hub, part of a national plan for this sector and said, “It is part of our vision to make this the sports hub complex, which includes facilities for various sports disciplines and of the best level. A vision through which we are aiming for our country to have sports facilities of international standards that serve as a foundation for the sports industry. In this way, we will not only continue to put our country’s name on the world sports map, but attract investment to our country, also through sports tourism.”

The CEO of SportMalta, Mark Cutajar, said that in the last ten years, SportMalta has grown, in terms of facilities and human resources, both in terms of training and knowledge. “SportMalta has fully looked at the present strategy, one of the foundations of which is the sports facilities, and is developing these plans into a reality of the best level in order to accommodate athletes of various disciplines, the sports associations and to the general public.”  During the opening over 50 athletes of the SportMalta OntheMove Academy were the first to perform in a display prepared with their coaches for this event.  Sport Promotion Unit within SportMalta also invited over 200 students from the National Sport School and Marsa Primary who took part in activities related to fitness and gymnastics. 

From November 6th to 10th, 2023, the “Let’s Move Malta” initiative was a big success. It brought the community together for a happy celebration of sports and friendship.

The week started on Monday at the Kirkop Complex with a Special Olympics event from 5 pm to 7 pm. There were activities like Table Tennis, Bocce, Various Sports, and Basketball. The atmosphere was lively, and it made people feel connected through shared enjoyment.

On Tuesday, there were activities for senior citizens at Saint Vincent De Paule, bringing fun exercises to promote active lifestyles for Malta’s seniors.

Wednesday was exciting with a collaboration between the Civil Service, Sportmalta, and the Malta Employees Sport Association at the Marsa Sports Complex. From 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm, employees played Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, and Cross Country, encouraging healthy competition and team spirit.

Thursday started with Caritas at San Blas hosting a morning filled with sports activities like Tic Tac Toe, Turn the Tarp, Logo Puzzle Relay, Build the Pyramid on swimming boards, Find the Pair Relay, 7-a-side football, handball, and Tug of War. The day ended at 11 am, leaving participants feeling thrilled.

Closing the week on a high note, Friday’s School Sports Day at Cottonera Sports Complex brought schools together for a morning of spirited sports activities in the main hall.

The entire week showed how powerful sports can be in bringing people together, creating unity, and making lasting memories. “Let’s Move Malta” was more than just an event; it was a celebration that touched every participant, leaving behind a legacy of shared joy and community spirit.

In addition to organizing this successful Sports Day, St. Thomas More College Middle & Secondary School in Zejtun also proudly participated in the annual SportMalta Schools Sports Day 2023. The main aim was to show how physical activity can boost academic performance and encourage inclusiveness through sports. This event aligned perfectly with the #Beactve campaign, which emphasizes the link between being active and improved health and academic achievements.

The Sports Day featured a wide range of activities designed to test agility, balance, coordination, speed, and strength. These activities included flat fun races, Tug of War, and possession games, all of which helped students develop their physical abilities and foster teamwork.

The event was a great success, with students actively engaging in various activities, showcasing their physical talents, and forming new friendships. It underlined the significance of physical fitness, not just for overall well-being but also for academic success.

St. Thomas More College Middle & Secondary School remains committed to promoting a culture of active and healthy living among its students through such events. This Sports Day was a testament to their dedication to the well-rounded development of their students.

This collaboration with SportMalta further exemplified the school’s commitment to promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among its students. The SportMalta Schools Sports Day provided an excellent platform for students to showcase their athletic talents, compete with other schools, and foster a sense of sportsmanship.

Malta won the bronze medal in the first edition of the European Championships after defeating the Faroe Islands 3-1.

SportMalta hosted the championships for the teams at the Cottonera Sports Complex, with a total of eight participating countries.

The Maltese team won two matches in their group and lost one, advancing to the semifinals where they were defeated by Cyprus.

Today, they achieved victory against the Faroe Islands, the same team that had beaten Malta in the group stage, securing the third place in the Championships.

Team Malta was composed of Francesca Clark, Samuel Cassar, Matthew Abela, Lauren Azzopardi, Nigel Degaetano, Elenia Haber, and Matthew Galea, led by Head Coach Matthew Haynes.

On Friday, October 20th, 2023, at 1:45 PM, the Cottonera Sports Complex’s Main Hall was filled with excitement as the Volleyball Staff Event took place. The event brought together staff members for an afternoon of fun and camaraderie. It turned out to be a great success, with everyone coming together to enjoy the day. Laughter and smiles filled the air as teams battled it out on the volleyball court. Memorable moments were captured in photos, preserving the happiness shared by all. There were a total of six teams in action. After some intense matches, the best team emerged victorious, claiming the top spot. The second-best team displayed impressive skills and secured the second runner-up position. It was a day of sportsmanship and teamwork that will be cherished by all who participated. The Volleyball Staff Event will be remembered not just for the games but also for the unity it fostered among the staff. It was a day where work colleagues became teammates, and the spirit of friendly competition reigned

Through an initiative led by SportMalta, thousands of children from Maltese and Gozitan schools united together for various activities with their teachers for SportMalta Schools Sports Day. The SportMalta Schools Sports Day is a big event in Malta, where over 50 schools joined in the fun. This special day was all about promoting healthy habits in kids and making them fall in love with sports. The hope was that they would keep playing sports as they grew up.

More than 50 schools coming together for the SportMalta Schools Sports Day was a big deal. It was a celebration of movement, teamwork, and health. And while there were winners and losers, everyone went home with a smile, knowing that they had taken a step closer to a lifetime of being active and loving sports.

Imagine a day when school was not just about books and lessons, but also about running, jumping, and having a blast. That’s what the SportMalta Schools Sports Day was all about. It was a day when students got to showcase their athletic skills and had a great time doing it.

The main goal of that day was to get kids excited about sports. When they had fun playing games and sports, they were more likely to stay active throughout their lives. So, that event was like planting a seed of love for sports in their hearts. When they grew up, that love might turn into a passion for a particular sport or just a habit of staying active.

It wasn’t just about competition, though. The day was full of activities that were enjoyable and helped kids stay fit. There were races, games, and team sports that brought out the best in every child. It wasn’t about being the fastest or the strongest; it was about giving it your best and enjoying the spirit of sportsmanship.

In addition to being a day devoted to sports and physical activities, this unique occasion also functioned as a promotional tool for underscoring the significance of physical fitness among school children in fostering robust and well-balanced lifestyles. SportMalta executed several efforts aimed at promoting sports and physical activity, with instances such as the #BeActive campaign and the European Week of Sport being two notable initiatives carried out in the past month.

The European Week of Sport in 2023 was a fantastic celebration of fitness and sports activities. The event was made possible thanks to the collaboration between Depiro Sports Club, and SportMalta, Mtarfa Resource Centre, Special Olympics Malta, and the Mtarfa Community Police. This initiative aimed to promote physical activity and well-being among service users attending Mtarfa Resource Centre. Throughout the week, participants engaged in various activities, including basketball sessions, which were a big hit among the attendees.

The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and a sense of unity as everyone came together to support each other . These activities not only promoted fitness but also encouraged social interaction and community bonding. It was heartwarming to see people of all abilities and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the benefits of sports and fitness. The European Week of Sport 2023 will be remembered as a time when collaboration and teamwork led to a memorable and impactful event. We look forward to more such opportunities in the future to promote fitness, activity, and the spirit of togetherness.

For the second year in a row, our community united to take part in a pleasant walk, starting from Kalkara and ending at the Cottonera Sports Complex. This event was a part of the European Week of Sport, an initiative aimed at promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle throughout Europe.

Mayor Wayne Aquilina, Councilor Maria Sultana, and the Community Police were all present, showing their support for this wonderful occasion. It was heartwarming to see our local leaders taking an active role in encouraging fitness and well-being within our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in this event. Their enthusiasm and participation ensured that our village was an active and integral part of the first day of activities in the European Week of Sport 2023, which was organized by SportMalta.

The European Week of Sport is not just about physical activity; it’s about promoting a culture of fitness and health. It’s a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the joy of movement.

#BeActive Night, a special highlight of the European Week of Sport 2023, was a night to remember. The Cottonera Sports Complex in Malta came alive with excitement and energy as people gathered to participate in various sporting activities and games. It was a night of fun and camaraderie, where friends and families cheered each other on, fostering a sense of togetherness.

The #BeActive Night was not just about competitive sports; it was also a platform for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to try new activities, whether it was dancing, yoga, or simply going for a brisk walk. The event emphasized that being active doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

SportMalta deserves special recognition for their outstanding organization of the Cottonera Sports Complex event. Their dedication and hard work ensured that everyone had a memorable night, filled with laughter and shared experiences.

As we look back on the European Week of Sport 2023 and the #BeActive Night at the Cottonera Sports Complex, we are filled with pride. These events not only brought our community closer but also reminded us of the importance of staying active and healthy. They showed us that physical activity is not just about competition but also about fostering friendships and building a stronger, more connected community.

We hope that the spirit of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive Night continues to inspire us all to lead healthier lives and to come together in the name of fitness and well-being. Let’s make every week a week of sport, and let’s keep the #BeActive spirit alive in our hearts and our community.