In 2022, Gozitans Stephen Grima, Anthony Attard and Felicienne Mercieca came together with a simple vision: to provide athletes with the opportunity to train, compete, and grow in an environment that valued both performance and community spirit.
From these beginnings, D Sports Lab was born. What started off as a modest initiative has now – in a span of just three years – developed into a fully fledged multisport club, offering coaching across different disciplines and creating pathways for athletes of all levels to reach their potential.
Building a club against the odds
The journey was never going to be an easy one. Being based in Gozo presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to access to sports facilities and training infrastructure.
Compared to Malta, Gozo has long faced limitations in this regard, and the club’s founders were well aware that the road ahead would require dedication, resourcefulness, and patience.
Despite these challenges, the club pressed forward, steadily expanding its services to include structured programmes in swimming, cycling, mountain biking, running, and triathlon, engaging qualified coaches to lead sessions and mentor athletes.
Training schedules were often adapted creatively to make the best use of the facilities available.
A bright future with new opportunities
One of the most significant developments for the club will be the opening of the new swimming pool complex in Gozo.
For years, the club’s swimmers had to make do with limited training options, often travelling across to Malta for sessions or adapting to outdoor conditions.
The new complex will be a game-changer, allowing the club to strengthen its swimming section, expand its coaching programmes, and provide athletes with the resources they need to take the next step in their development.
At the same time, other facilities remain on the wish list – most notably, a proper athletics track, which would allow Gozitan athletes to train on par with their Maltese counterparts.
While challenges persist, the outlook is positive, with sporting infrastructure gradually improving and offering hope for the future of sport on the island.
Success beyond the island
Though still young, D Sports Lab has already managed to punch above its weight.
Apart from attracting more than 120 members – some of which are Malta-based. Additionally, several of its athletes have competed successfully in races abroad, shining in international competitions and proving that Gozitan talent can hold its own on the world stage.
Others have represented Malta at high-profile events, bringing honour not only to their club but also to the wider Gozitan sporting community.
That pride reached a new level when three of D Sports Lab’s athletes – Frank Attard (triathlon), Michelle Debono (athletics), and Brandon Sultana (cycling) — were selected as part of the 51-strong Team Gozo delegation for the Island Games in Orkney.
The club’s president, Stephen Grima, is no stranger to the demands of performance sport.
An accomplished mountain biker, he has taken on some of the world’s toughest stage races. In 2024, he completed the Andorra Epic, placing seventh in his category and 59th overall out of 230 teams.
He also competed in the legendary Absa Cape Epic in South Africa, where in 2025 he partnered with fellow club member Brandon Sultana.
Just months later, Sultana proudly represented Gozo at the Island Games in Orkney, gaining valuable international experience.
Complementing Grima’s pedigree is club secretary Anthony Attard, who in 2024 finished in fourth place in the gruelling Double Ironman distance at the Bretzel Ultra Tri in Colmar, France.
“I am immensely proud of what this club has achieved in such a short time,” said Grima.
“When we started, we wanted to create opportunities that we ourselves wished we had as young athletes in Gozo. Today, we are not only providing multisport coaching but also seeing our athletes represent Malta on international stages.
“It shows that with dedication, even from a small island with limited facilities, we can compete with the very best.”
Coaching excellence at the core
At the heart of D Sports Lab’s success is its focus on professional coaching.
All coaches are fully qualified and bring with them years of both local and international experience in their respective disciplines.
Importantly, most of them still compete at a high level, which keeps their approach authentic and ensures they remain closely in touch with the racing element of sport. This blend of expertise and active involvement gives athletes the confidence that they are being guided by individuals who understand the realities of competition first-hand.
The club’s coaching team brings together a strong mix of expertise and experience. Charlton Debono, Michelle Vella Wood, and Keira Attard each contribute unique perspectives.
Debono leads the running section, building on his own achievements to inspire athletes; Vella Wood, an Ironman triathlete and former National Triathlon Champion, shares invaluable knowledge with both novice and advanced triathletes; while Attard, who has already represented Malta at the Commonwealth Youth Games, adds the drive and insight of a promising young coach.
Together, they form a line-up that blends proven champions with emerging talent, united in their mission to mentor and nurture the next generation of Gozitan athletes.
Nurturing youth talent
The club has also made it a priority to create opportunities for young athletes, ensuring a pipeline of future talent.
Among the promising names is Nina Debono Curmi, a young cyclist who has already featured regularly on both mountain bike and road cycling podiums.
Her progress highlights the club’s commitment to nurturing athletes from their earliest stages, providing them with strong foundations and clear pathways to success.
Inclusion at the heart of the club
Importantly, D Sports Lab has placed openness and accessibility at the centre of its mission. The club caters for athletes across a wide spectrum of abilities, from those taking their very first steps into sport to others striving for elite performance.
Each individual is encouraged to progress at their own pace, with programmes tailored to different needs and aspirations.
“Whether someone joins to improve their fitness, discover a new discipline, or aim for national representation, they are welcomed into the same supportive environment and guided by expert coaching that ensures every athlete feels part of the journey,” remarked Grima.
A model for sporting growth
In just three years, D Sports Lab has grown from a start-up idea into a pillar of the Gozitan sporting community. Its story is one of perseverance, community effort, and belief in the potential of athletes of all ages and abilities. With improved facilities on the horizon and a track record of success at both local and international levels, the future looks bright.
“Gozo may not yet match Malta in terms of sporting infrastructure, but thanks to the vision and commitment of this club and its committee, it has something equally valuable: a thriving community where athletes can dream, train, and succeed,” said Grima.
