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
âŽ105,000 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 SportMaltaâs main
goals is to encourage children and young people to practice sports and physical
activity outdoors. That is why SportMalta has invested âŽ600,000 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.
