Minister Byron Camilleri announces new initiatives to strengthen sports associations, athlete wellbeing and investment in sports infrastructure.
The establishment of the Malta Sport Hub, a new programme supporting athletes’ mental wellbeing, ten days of leave for elite athletes representing Malta, and a pilot project introducing structured physical education from kindergarten are among the key initiatives announced by the Minister for Education and Sport, Byron Camilleri, during a press conference on Budget 2027, under the theme Malta Miegħek.
These measures form part of a broader plan to make sport more accessible, build a stronger sporting ecosystem, strengthen sports associations, develop more talent and continue investing in
modern facilities.
“Malta Miegħek means standing alongside everyone who wishes to make sport part of their lives, the associations and volunteers who work with passion, and the athletes who aspire to represent our country. We want to invest not only in facilities but also in the people who bring Maltese sport to life. Their aspirations are also ours, and we will continue working together to turn them into concrete opportunities,” said Minister Camilleri.
Through the Malta Sport Hub, sports associations without permanent headquarters will be provided with dedicated premises from which to operate. The complex will also accommodate organisations working with athletes and coaches, offering meeting spaces, areas for sporting activities and services provided by SportMalta, while strengthening collaboration across the sector.
Another priority is the development of a sporting culture from the earliest years of education. A pilot project in three schools across three colleges will introduce structured physical education activities at kindergarten level, helping children develop their motor skills, coordination and confidence. The aim is to strengthen physical literacy and encourage children to remain active throughout their lives, building on the existing pilot project that helps young children learn to swim.
Support for athletes will also be strengthened through the CARE Scheme, which will provide financial assistance for psychological, counselling and wellbeing services to athletes experiencing long-term injuries or transitioning out of their sporting careers. This initiative recognises the importance of psychological and emotional recovery alongside physical rehabilitation.
At the same time, the measure providing ten days of leave for elite athletes representing Malta in international competitions will also extend to technical and administrative personnel.
Investment in sports infrastructure will continue across various disciplines.
In basketball, the transfer of land to the Malta Basketball Association is being finalised to enable the construction of a new pavilion in Ta’ Qali, while the air-conditioning project in the existing pavilions will also be completed.
In athletics, improvements are underway to the running track at the Matthew Micallef St John Stadium in Marsa. In 2027, plans include roofing the main stand, installing new seating and
preparing for the roofing of the warm-up track.
In sailing, the Government will support an initiative by the Malta Sailing Federation to make 60 boats available to clubs, with particular emphasis on developing talent from an early age. A dilapidated building on Manoel Island will also be regenerated for use in this sport. This measure forms part of the Government’s electoral programme and the wider regeneration planned for Manoel Island.
In aquatic sports, maintenance works at the National Swimming Pool in Tal-Qroqq will continue,together with preparations to roof the stands. Meanwhile, the Marsamxett facility will accommodate disciplines such as water polo and artistic swimming.
In motorsport, the first phase of the car racing track project in Ħal Far is progressing well.
In football, support will continue for the preparatory work on the new Malta Premier League ground.
Further improvements will also be carried out at the Cottonera Sports Complex, including the installation of air conditioning, and at the Ħal Kirkop Sports Complex, alongside works on the playing
surface at St Benedict College.
Support for rugby will also continue, while a fund will be established to assist regatta clubs in restoring or constructing new traditional racing boats. In bocce, clubs will be provided with a set of
bocce balls as part of efforts to strengthen traditional sports.
Preparations are also ongoing for Malta to host the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games and other international competitions.
In the area of inclusive sport, plans are being developed for a dedicated building for Special Olympics Malta, from which health and wellbeing services for athletes can be provided.
An investment of €250,000 in the Paralympic movement has also been confirmed for the purchase of sports equipment for training and competitions.
A financial assistance scheme of up to €20,000 has also been announced for sports associations, covering up to 50% of an administrator’s salary.
Meanwhile, the scheme offering six months of free gym access to young people aged between 16
and 21 will continue.
SportMalta, in collaboration with local councils, will also organise physical activity classes for older adults, who will be able to use SportMalta facilities, including swimming pools, free of charge.
Minister Camilleri concluded by emphasising that these initiatives reflect the Government’s commitment to continuing to increase participation in sport, strengthening sports associations and
providing athletes with the support they need to reach their full potential.
