Maltaâs vibrant sports community came together in a spectacular fashion for the highly anticipated Celebrating Sport in Malta Conference 2025, a two-day event that captivated attendees with insightful discussions, expert panels, and remarkable guest appearances. The conference, a celebration of sportsmanship, innovation, and community spirit, has undoubtedly set a high standard for future gatherings.
One of the standout features of the event was the esteemed lineup of special guests, each of whom brought their unique expertise and perspectives to the stage. Prof. Antonio Silva, President of the European Aquatic Association, delivered a compelling presentation on Learning to Swim and Prevent Drowning, emphasizing the importance of water safety and education.
Prof. Da Silva, delivered a powerful and eye-opening presentation on the importance of learning to swim and preventing drowning. His presentation included shocking statistics, revealing that over 5,000 people in Europe lose their lives to drowning each year. Even more alarming, drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14 in many European countries.
Prof. Da Silva emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and access to swimming lessons to combat this preventable tragedy. He highlighted the critical role of swimming as a life-saving skill and called for enhanced collaboration between governments, schools, and sports organizations to implement comprehensive water safety programs. His presentation was a stark reminder of the responsibility we all share in ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.
Prof. Gregor Starc, representing SLOfit, shared his expertise on the National Fitness Surveillance Programme, highlighting innovative approaches to monitoring and improving population fitness.
Prof. Starc, delivered an impactful presentation emphasizing the crucial role of lifelong fitness monitoring in promoting health and well-being. He explained in detail how consistent tracking of physical fitness across all stages of life provides valuable insights into an individualâs health trajectory highlighting the importance of early intervention and the ability to identify potential health risks through fitness data. He also underscored how lifelong fitness monitoring can inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, making it a cornerstone of effective public health strategies. His insights were both enlightening and highly relevant to todayâs challenges.”
Mr. Aurelien Favre, Executive Director of the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment, provided excellent insights into European Funding Opportunities for the Sport Sector in Malta, offering practical advice and strategies for leveraging these resources.
Mr. Favre gave an insightful explanation of the Erasmus+ European Union Programme. Covering the period from 2021 to 2027, this programme aims to support education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. With a substantial budget of âŽ26.2 billion allocated over seven years, approximately 1.9% is dedicated to sport, providing significant opportunities for funding and development in the sports sector. His insights highlighted the programmeâs potential impact on Maltese sports initiatives.”
Dr. John Xerri De Caro, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Malta, presented his views on Promoting Physical Activity in the Transition towards Retirement Process, offering valuable guidance on maintaining health and wellness during life transitions, he also gave an insight regarding the HEPA strategy life events represent key points in peopleâs lives when encouragement, support and interventions are particularly needed to sustain adequate physical activity levels.
Dr. John Xerri de Caro emphasized the significance of motivation in fostering physical activity, outlining two critical aspects. He explained that intrinsic motivation, such as the enjoyment derived from participating in sports, plays a fundamental role in sustaining long-term engagement. Meanwhile, extrinsic motivation, supported through external incentives or structured encouragement, can act as a powerful catalyst in initiating and maintaining an active lifestyle.
The highlight of the conference was undoubtedly the panel discussion, which brought together these exceptional minds for a one-of-a-kind dialogue. The exchange of ideas was both thought-provoking and solution-oriented, addressing key challenges and opportunities in Maltaâs sports landscape.
The overwhelming attendance at the conference was a testament to Maltaâs passion for sports and the communityâs commitment to fostering excellence in this field. From athletes and coaches to policymakers and sports enthusiasts, the diverse audience reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Maltaâs sports culture.
Special thanks go to the numerous individuals who attended and contributed to the success of this event. Your enthusiasm and engagement were integral to creating a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.
We thank you for joining us to celebrating sports, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future!
