Launch of the European Week of Sport 2022

This morning at the Royal Malta Golf Club in Marsa, SportMalta launched the 2022 edition of the European Week of Sport.

Rose Marie Mercieca the national coordinator for Malta gave a brief description of the path of this event from its inception.  She said that the European Week of Sport was launched in 2015 to respond to the growing crisis of inactivity. Sport and physical activity make a significant contribution to the well-being of European citizens.

Malta’s level of physical activity improved throughout these years but surely not enough. No matter who we are and what we do, even slight increases in regular, physical activity can have a profound impact on our long-term health, she said.  Sport Malta’s mission statement is to improve awareness on the importance of an active lifestyle has for everyone.

Chief Executive Officer of SportMalta Mark Cutajar gave details of the events which will take place this year.  The two flagship events will happen in the weekend of the 24^th and the 25^th of September.  The Cottonera Sport Complex will host the #BeActive Night on the 24^th.  The event will focus on physical fitness and inclusivity.  Special Olympics Malta will organise several activities echoing the success of the International Games.  Fitness, Dance, Zumba, Piloxing and many other activities will create a vibrant atmosphere Cutajar said.  The traditional Main National Event this year will be held at the Marsa Grounds on Sunday 25^th.  Many associations and clubs will organise events during the day in a sport village.  There will also be other activities organised by clubs, associations and other government entities.  Cutajar announced this year’s ambassadors namely Ronnie Spiteri a SportMalta plantroom employee who was a referee in this year’s under 16 World Cup water polo final, weightlifting champion Tenisha Thornton, Thomas Borg representing the Paralympic Movement and Sam Micallef representing Special Olympics together with Commonwealth Bronze Medalist the Judoka Katryna Esposito.

Minister Clifton Grima said that he is so proud when athletes represent Malta and manage to get results.  He invited ambassadors to spread the message to engage the whole population to practice sport and physical activity.  Minister Grima said that schools can play a fundamental role by inculcating in students the importance to be physically active.  He said that the Government is doing its part by investing in new facilities.  These facilities will help to increase the number of athletes.  He also invited Local Councils to help and promote the message.

For more information you can contact SportMalta on 22036275 or by email on info@sportmalta.org.mt