SportMalta launches European Week of Sport

SportMalta launched the 2022 edition of the European Week of Sport during a press conference at the Royal Malta Golf Club in Marsa.

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,” Mercieca said.

“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.

“Sport Malta’s mission statement is to improve awareness on the importance of an active lifestyle has for everyone.”

Mark Cutajar, Chief Executive Officer of SportMalta, gave details of the events which will take place this year. The two flagship events will happen on the weekend of September 24 and 25.

The Cottonera Sport Complex will host the #BeActive Night on September 24. 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 September 25. Many associations and clubs will organise events during the day in a sports 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 waterpolo final, weightlifting champion Tenisha Thornton, Thomas Borg, representing the Paralympic Movement, and Sam Micallef from Special Olympics together with judoka Katryn Esposito, the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.

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 sports and physical activity.

Dr Grima said that schools can play a fundamental role by instilling in students the importance to be physically active. He said that the Government is doing its part by investing in new facilities. Such facilities will help to increase the number of athletes. The Minister for Education and Sport also invited Local Councils to help and promote the message.

For more information, one can contact SportMalta on 22036275 or by email on info@sport malta.org.mt