Athletics Malta launches the Tallinja Malta Youth International Athletics Festival

The event will be held on July 4 at the Matthew Micallef St John Stadium in Marsa.

Driven by the association’s Youth Technical Committee, this festival is designed to provide a competitive platform for young athletes born between 2009 and 2015.

The goal of the initiative is to develop an international environment for local youth that is equivalent to events held abroad, helping them gain experience and progress in the sport.

The festival is set to be an international affair, with the organisers offering specific travel support to encourage participation from overseas clubs and groups.

Athletics Malta said in a statement that it is committed to making the event accessible to a wide range of participants, ensuring a high standard of competition on the track.

The event will also feature mixed-ability events, facilitating the participation of Special Olympics athletes, thereby ensuring full inclusivity of the sport.

The festival is being supported by Malta Public Transport after an agreement reached with Athletics Malta for the next four years.

Athletics Malta president Mario Bonello described the festival as a major milestone for Maltese athletics, providing young local athletes with the opportunity to compete on home soil against high-level international competition.

He said the event will also serve as an important preparatory exercise, both from a competitive and organisational perspective, ahead of the Commonwealth Youth Games, which Malta is set to host next year, with athletics featuring among the disciplines.

He also thanked Malta Public Transport for the confidence it has shown in Athletics Malta, as well as for its ongoing support towards athlete development and the continued growth of sport in Malta.

Addressing the launch of Festival, Malta Public Transport Chairman Felipe Cosmen said: “Malta Public Transport is proud to support the Tallinja Malta Youth International Athletics Festival as part of our wider commitment towards young people and the community.

“We believe that investing in youth and encouraging active lifestyles is also an investment in the country’s future, helping to build healthier communities and stronger social wellbeing.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Athletics Malta in supporting the next generation of athletes and look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.”

Representatives of Sport Malta, the Malta Olympic Committee and Special Olympics were also present for the launch.