Application bid European Region of Sports 2020 by MALTA

APPLICATION FILE

CENTRAL REGION OF MALTA AS EUROPEAN REGION OF SPORT 2023

Contents Message – Michael Fenech Adami, President Central Region of Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Message – Hon. Dr. Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youths, Sports and Voluntary Organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Message – Hon. David Casa, Member of the European Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Letter of commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Malta strategic position between Europe and Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The localities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Hospitality of our Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Why we aspire to be a Region of Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Culture, education, tourism and sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2023 will be a year to remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Challenges through sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The coat of arms of the Central Region was granted in 2014 . The shield has a blue field signifying the Mediterranean Sea in which there are thirteen bezants of golden disks representing the thirteen municipalities forming the Region.

The sport facilities and other infrastructure networks in the central region of Malta . . . 28 Promotion of sport tourism in the region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Sport finance in the region and volunteering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Promotion of health and integration through sport in social life and fairplay . . . . . . . 50 Promotion of free sport for all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Promotion of youths in sport on national level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Revised scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Together for the next generation of team Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

First published in Malta in 2021 Publication Copyright © Reġjun Ċentru No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author and the publisher. Design and layout by Pawlu Mizzi www.pawlumizzi.com info@pawlumizzi.com

Building one team for Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The central region supports the scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 To achieve the main objectives of ACES Europe manifesto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 European Region of Sport 2021 Application – Esports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Esports & the ACES Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Status of Esports in Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Esports within the Malta Region of Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 2023 Sports events and activities programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club Calendar of Events 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Michael Fenech Adami, President Central Region of Malta

Dear Mr Lupatelli, As President of the organizing committee, it is a pleasure and an honour that I was entrusted by My Region to present the official bid to be selected by ACES as European Region of Sport 2023. It is also a pleasure for me to bring forward such a bid as this will be the first time that Malta is applying for such a title. Personally I believe that my region deserves to be given such an honour. In the past years, as a country and as a region we have invested heavily not only in the opening of new sport facilities and also in the upgrading of existing ones. This led our country to become a centre of excellence in the field of sport tourism and a point of reference for the organisation of international competitions in the Mediterranean. Apart from this, 2023 will be an extraordinary year for Malta in the field of sport. We will be hosting the Games for the Small Nations of Europe, the Special Olympics international games and also other international competitions. The Maltese Sport Authorities will also be launching a number of initiatives during the same year and the Education Directorate, in collaboration with the Local Councils will be doing its utmost to strengthen a sporting culture within our educational institutions. This documentation also confirms that the Maltese Government and other authorities are supporting our bid and are also looking forward to welcome ACES officials in Malta not only in the coming weeks but also in 2023. We look forward to a collaborative relationship.

Michael Fenech Adami President Central Region of Malta 5

Hon. Dr. Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youths, Sports and Voluntary Organisations

“On behalf of the Government of Malta and my office as Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Sport I would like to express my full support to the Central Region of Malta in their bid for the European Region of Sports to be held in 2023.” Hon. Dr. Clifton Grima

Hon. David Casa, Member of the European Parliament

“In the past few years, I had the opportunity to co-host the award ceremony of the European Capital, Region, City, Island, Community and Town of Sports. For the next edition, it is my pleasure and honour to support the Maltese Central Region’s bid for the European Region of Sports 2023.” David Casa, MEP

GOVERNMENT OF MALTA MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION

DIRECTORATE FOR LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMMES

Letter of Commitment

Educational Campaigns

The Centre of Physical Education and Sport within the Ministry for Education is hereby committing itself to be one of the participating partners should Reġjun Ċentru be selected as the European Region of Sport 2023. This partnership will be in the form of various programmes and initiatives organised in schools, as explained below, based upon the results of a National Survey re Participation in Sport that was carried out among all Year 4 and Year 7 learners in 2017, results of which are illustrated below. COLLEGE

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

Gozo College

Football

Swimming

Bowling

Dance

Basketball

Gymnastics

Maria Regina College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Gymnastics

Dance

Bowling

St Benedict College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Dance

Bowling

Gymnastics

St Clare College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Dance

Gymnastics

Bowling

San Gorg Preca College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Bowling

Dance

Gymnastics

St Ignatius College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Dance

Bowling

Gymnastics

St Margaret College

Football

Swimming

Dance

Gymnastics

Basketball

Bowling

St Nicholas College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Gymnastics

Bowling

Dance

St Theresa College

Football

Swimming =

Basketball =

Dance

Gymnastics

Bowling

St Thomas More College

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Dance

Gymnastics

Bowling

Face-to-face and online sessions related to the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle will be organised for all stakeholders including learners, parents/ guardians, members of staff as well as the wider community. Interschool Tournaments An array of different events related to different disciplines will be organised split in age categories. Such events will enhance the school ethos as well as inculcate a higher degree of a sense of belonging towards the school by all participants. School-Community Links Clubs and national sporting associations, especially from sporting disciplines that are considered to be minority sports in Malta, are invited to schools to promote their sport and hopefully lure a good number of youngsters to take up the sport and start training regularly after school hours. Special attention will be given to traditional sport such as bocci and regatta. Intergenerational Events Learners will be at the centre of the organisation of a number of events that will witness the participation of individuals of different ages who will come together through the benefits of physical activity.

Extracurricular Sport Activities Apart from the structured Physical Education lessons provided as established through the Minimum Curriculum Framework (2012), schools will be encouraged and supported to organise sport related extracurricular activities such as during break time as well as after school hours.

Kevin Azzopardi Education Officer (Physical Education) Marvin Spiteri Education Officer (Primary – Physical Education)

MALTA STRATEGIC POSITION BETWEEN EUROPE AND AFRICA The Maltese Islands, which are made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino are surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and are therefore referred to as the Maltese archipelago. The strategic position of our islands between Italy in Europe and Libya in Africa, has been of utmost importance throughout the years both from an economic and a commercial point of view. Malta has been an independent country since 1964 and has been a republic since 1974. Since its historic membership in the European Union back in 2004, Malta has made massive steps forward and despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe if not the smallest, it has gained the respect for many countries all over the world. Populated by 500,000 people in an area of 316 square kilometres, Malta is the fourth dense sovereign country in the world. The capital city of Malta is Valletta which was given the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2018. The central region, which covers 13 localities in an area of 25 kilometres squared, is one of the five administrative regions in the Maltese Islands. This region is occupied by around 29% of the total population and includes; Ħ'Attard, Ħal Balzan, Birkirkara, Il-Gżira, L-Iklin, Ħal Lija, Imsida ,Tal-Pieta, San Ġwann, Sliema, San Ġiljan, Santa Venera and Ta’ Xbiex.

THE LOCALITIES The thirteen localties which comprises the Central Region of Malta are:

Ħ’Attard

This locality has a population 11,131 and forms part of the three main localities in the central region of Malta together with Ħal Balzan and Ħal Lija.

Ħal Balzan

L-Iklin

Ħal Lija

Il-Gżira

L-Imsida

Tal-Pieta

‘Surronded by gardens’ as its motto says has a population of 4,589.

Comprising of a population of around 3,341 inhabitants, this is the third smallest locality in the Central Region of Malta.

It is the second smallest locality in the Central Region with a population of just over 3,000. Known for its orange trees its motto is ‘Suavi Fructo Rubeo’ which translates to, ‘I glow red with sweet fruit’.

Known for its floral gardens and green areas, the motto of this locality is ‘I perfume the air with my blossoms’.

Birkirkara

This locality is the largest city in the region and across all Malta. It has a population of 23,570 inhabitants with the motto ‘In the sign you will conquer’ (In hoc signo vinces).

Surround by sea, Il-Gżira is known for its waters and typical connection to ‘Manuel Island’. Its motto is ‘Flourishing with Justice’ and has a population of 10,784 citizens most of which today are foreigners who work and reside in Malta.

With a population of 12,216 persons, it is situated adjacent to the seashore which flows from Marsamxetto Harbour and its motto is ‘The Last to be erected’.

With its motto ‘Where there is love’ has also part of its territory by the sea with a population of 4,580 inhabitans.

San Ġwann

Sliema

San Ġiljan

Santa Venera

Having a population of 14,125 inhabitants, it is situated over the general hospital Mater Dei and an Industrial Estate. Its motto is ‘Yiour name honours you’

Similar to Sliema, this is a popular place throughout the year especially in summer, as it is also situated on the coastline which the region embraces.

‘Quickly from the coast arisen’ as its motto defines is a seaside resort mostly frequented by Maltese and tourists throught the year but especially during summer, because of its modern enviorment surrounded by hotels, restaurants , pubs and shopping centres, This city is the second largest in the region with a population of just over 21,000 citizens including Maltese and foreigners.

Ta’ Xbiex

Ta’ Xbiex, is situated along the coast of Malta’s central region. Its the smallest of all the localties in the region with a population of just nearly 2,000 inhabitants situated between L-Imsida and il-Gżira. Its motto ‘Illuminated by the sun and embraced by the sea’ includes a maltese landmark which attract tourist to our islands.

Unlike the previous localities, Santa Venera is more of a residental area and has a population of 7.376 people . ‘Virtue emerges best in misery’ is its motto. This town is located close to Birkirkara.

‘ With land I embrace the waterline’ is the motto of this town known for its amusement places like Paceville, beaches and hotels. It is occupied by roughly 12,700 citizens. 17

HOSPITALITY OF OUR NATION When mentioning Malta and its people, the virtue of hospitality inherited by the Knights of St. John, when the Maltese welcomed foreigners on their mainland, has to be respected, in fact the Maltese people are known for their great hospitality throughout all of the colonies that Malta was under. Speaking our own language, which itself is a mirror of the history of the Maltese Islands as it is a mixture of three important elements being, the Romantic Element (Italian), the Anglo-Saxon Element (English) and the Arabic Element, the Maltese people are proud of their history, culture and enviorment. The Maltese landscape, seascape, and other rural and urban areas, are among the enviorments imbused with interesting features. The Maltese are Mediterranean people who love a bubbly life with feasting and merrymaking. Many religious feasts that take place around the Maltese Islands throughout the year but more intensely from June to September. Such feasts, peak in August with a euphoria of enjoyment and celebration. Every one of the thirteen localities as part of Malta’s Catholic traditions have their annual feast to the patron saint of their respective town or village. The celebration is expressed by many with spiritual love and devotion while othersare more secular in their participation.

WHY WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION OF SPORT Through the colourful life of the Maltese people under the scourching sun, beautiful seas and lively hospitality, Malta especially the Central Region aims to promote the candidacy to be designated as the European Sport Region in 2023 which is awarded by the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES EUROPE). In the Central Region facilities for indoor and outdoor sport are numerous in every one of the thirteen localities where sport can be practised professionally or for leisure in first class facilties as well as in the natural areas of the region. There facilties, run privately or by national associations such as the Malta Football Association, Malta Basketball Association and the Amateur Swimming Association (Malta) which all run the Goverment build facilities throught out the years in our Central Region. This dossier aims to promote the Central Region of Malta and will continue to recognize sport as a feature of its identity with the convicition that sport is a crucial aspect to all citizens who lives in the area. In Malta, sports make up a great part of what and who we are. Recently the Central Region of Malta Committee published an illustrated publication aimed to get to know this area of Malta better and also to give ‘A Taste ot the History, Culture and Enviorment of the Central Region’ which is the exact name of this publication written by Prof. George Cassar. Mr Michael Fenech Adami, said in his message that this book presents varying narratives about the many characteristices, of the localties that have contributed and continue to give significance to the Central Region of Malta. Their story is the story of the people and the community. 21

CULTURE, EDUCATION, TOURISM AND SPORT The Maltese culture is one that the Maltese people are greatly proud of. Similar to the Maltese language, this culture is characterised by the several colonies that Malta was under throughout its rich history. Tourism is one of our main industry for living and can be related to sport especially in localities such as Sliema, San Ġiljan and Gżira where their coastal zones are a prefered destinations to tourists. These are enriched by not less than five waterpolo and swimming pitches built for the purpose of competitve sport, leisure and relaxation. The conception of local governments, helped to relate culture, education and tourism to sport within a framework that placed sport as one of the main promoter of leisure policies. It is worth to mention that in Sliema and San Ġiljan, thousands of students from all over the world as far as Japan, China and South America visit Malta to attend and learn English classes in our English Language Schools. This is a massive helping hand to our tourism industry. As a British Colony, English is Malta’s second official lanaguage. There are 27 English Language Schools in Malta, 16 of them located in the Central Region, 6 in Sliema and 10 other in San Ġiljan. Over 100,000 students visit our island to learn English language of which nearly 20,000 comes from Italy, 10,000 from Germany and 9,000 from France. This is a typical example which shows the affect, Malta has had on many generations coming from different parts to enrich their knowledge.

2023 will be a year to remember 2023 will be another year to remember for Sport in Malta as for the third time in 30 years, Malta and mainly the Central Region area will host another edition of the Games of the Small Nations of Europe.These games are open to small nations whose population is under a million inhabitants. Malta successfully organised these games held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee and hosted the editions of 1993 and 2003. These Games helped the Maltese people to have better and modern facilties in the sports industry. Another big international event to be hosted by Malta is the U19’s Euro which UEFA entrusted to our Football Association. As our National Stadium is located in Attard, where a big part of this tournament will be played in our Central Region. Accordingly, the Year 2023 and the ambition to turn the Central Region of Malta into the European Sport Region is aimed to enhace Maltese to particpate in more sporting acivities.

CHALLENGES THROUGH SPORT Sport can help improve public health by introducing healthy eating habits. Obesity in Malta is high, the highest in Europe and percentage of this is in our Central Region so we need to control this by introducing challenges as sport can help us beat it.

developed in the sporting industry. This proposed project has the full support of many National Sport Association and Fedeearations namely Basketball, Football, Swimming, Waterpolo, Weightliting, Fencing, Volleyball, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Hockey, Squash, Shooting, Karate, Athletics, Judo, Rugby, Boxing, Handball, Cycling and Canoeing.

Physical activities and sport should help us stop decrease overweight. Obesity triggers preventable diseases and this could be a burden on the public healty system. So in the coming years with a clear vision we must commit citizens, athletes, coaches and leaders to take sport as a great challenge for the future to restore a healty generation.

All entites shiowed interest and enthusiasim to organise an activity to mark the Central Region of Malta as The European Region of Sport in 2023 which for Malta will be another year of sport let alone mention the two big events already mentioned, the Games of Small European Nations organised by the Malta Olympic Committte under tal auspices of the Goverment Malta and the UEFA Under 19’s histed by the Malta Football Association.

An effective way to fight these challenges is through sport activites at schools and colleges. Physical education and sport has to be incorporated seriously into our educational system. We should treat this idea as introducing a new mentality amongst this and future generations. However, we all know that introducing a new mentality is very difficult.

The Central Region will play a big role in such international events as all the facilities of national importance are located in the area namley the National Stadium and the National Basketball Complex in Attard and the National Swimming Complex in Gżira.

Ten years ago our Government introduced a school specifically aimed to teach sports to students who showed their intention to take sport seriously. This helped to increase the number of athletes participating in international events. Authorites should keep supporting them in their preparation amd healty competition. Despite this promotion, public schools in our country must encourage students to practise sport or a leisure activity for a healty lifestyle. This is a challenge also for those responsible (coaches, athletes, leaders, specialists and managers) in the sports system to improve the quality of sport in our region. Malta is a very small country and has to work much harder and professionally to keep the pace with other countries in Europe that are much more 27

ATTARD National Stadium Complex The National Stadium Complex, with a capacity of 20,000 seated spectators, is the main facility in the area. It is run by the Malta Football Association. This stadium hosts local National Football Leagues from the top tier and full international matches organised by FIFA and UEFA. This was built in 1981 and rinnovated during the 2016-17 season. This complex also comprises of administration offices, a 25 metre heated swimming pool, a well equipped gyminasium, a medical and physioterapy clinic, a football museum which was opened recently, a restaurant and cafeteria. Ta’ Qali KMS Outdoor Fitness Centre and High Ropes This fitness centre is especially suited for those who would like to get back into shape; fit and healthy (ideally for 12 years and older). It is open all day and is free. The gym is intended to complement other exercises and is open all day. The KMS (Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport) is responsible for the management of the High Ropes Course which is located in the BOV Adventure Park at Ta' Qali. This is a unique attraction, involving an obstacle course of high ropes aimed for both youngsters and adults. The High Ropes Course consists of a fully welded steel framework - galvanised for durability and longevity set on high tensile concrete footings. Due to safety reasons, the structure is not used during high winds. Persons using the structure are first given a brief from on-site qualified instructors regarding the health and safety features of the structure. Participants are equipped with professional harnesses and climbing ropes to support their weight. Although there is no age limit, it is important that one has to be at least 1.5m tall, and weighs not more than 120 kgs.

THE SPORT FACILITIES AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORKS IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF MALTA The sport facilities and other infrastructer networks in the Central Region of Malta are numerous and various, conventional or non conventional and are run both on a national and local basis. The extensive network of the sport facilties in the region can be measured by the fact that the population of this region is just over 130,000 citiziens or 28.36% of th whole population of our Maltese Islands. This show that it is vitally to promote sports in such an area which comprises to a large percentage of Malta’s population. In our region one can find three National Sport facilites in which the sport activities are run annually not only for people living in the area but also for every citizien who loves and practise sport.

There are two levels of obstacles. The first lower level, normally tackled by children, consists of hanging tyres, hanging wooden steps, rubber balls and a rope bridge. The upper level, due to its altitude (10 metres high) and the greater physical force required, is tackled by the adults. This upper level consists of hanging tyres and wooden levels to walk on.

As early as 1985, the Malta Football Association was already looking to develop a new small stadium. This idea started to take shape on the 11th of October 1998. The development, which consisted of the construction of a main stand and a canopy, lasted less than a year as on the 13th of August 1999 the stadium was inaugurate. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the MFA, the stadidum was named the Centenary Stadium. Badger Karting Club Malta The Badger Karting Club is a centre of those who are in love with motorsports and wish to start a carrier in this industry. It opened its doors to the public in September 1998. Offering the unique experience of actually racing against friends in a safe environment. A new modern track was inaugurated recently and the premises include also a Café Bar. Ta’ Qali Park This park is very close to the above-mentioned attractions and landmarks however this is mostly frequented in the winter season and is aimed as a family park where families can relax and enjoy a day in the open spaces of Ta’ Qali. This place is not strictly a sport center, but its infrastructure or natural spaces are ideal for leisure activities. Running, cycling, and playing football within the family are most popular.

National Basketball Complex The National Basketball Complex, previously used to be a military hanger which was turned into a basketball complex that was recently rinnovated into a modern pavillion with all the necesities for an equipped place where basketball is played in a friendly and familiar comfortable manner. This complex comprises also the offices of the Basketball Association of Malta and another well equipped area where children and youths can practise and play their favourite competitive games. Centenary Stadium The Centenary Stadium is a stadium located in Ta' Qali, in Attard very close to the National Stadium. It is able to host 3,000 spectators and serves as the home stadium of the Malta national under-21 football team. The stadium, together with three other stadia, also hosts matches of the Maltese Premier League, the National Challenge League, the National Amateur League and Maltese FA Trophy. The other stadia are the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hibs Ground and the National Stadium. 31

BALZAN & LIJA The size of these two neighboring villages Balzan and Lija limits the possibility of having their own sports grounds like what is present in Attard. Similar to what they did for the last years they share a sport facility located in one of their schools, but they use this facility to run their hometown Football Academies. Recently, the part of the ground maintained by Balzan was renovated with new dressing rooms and a gymnasium. They both have their football clubs Balzan FC and Lija Athletic FC. BIRKIRKARA St Aloysius College Sports and Recreational Complex This is the main sporting facility in Birkirkara. It is aimed to develop its members’ mind, body, and spirit, by enhancing the quality of life through physical activity thus guiding future generations to a healthier lifestyle. This college is run by the Jesuits and its Christian values drive their mission to provide indoor and outdoor sport facilities as well as quality pastoral care to College students, their families, and the wider community. This religious group strives to provide excellence in the formation of our members in leading meaningful lives for others.

Mediterranean College of Sport Mediterranean College of Sport is a new venture between St Aloysius College and Vassallo Group, through its subsidiary company, Learning Works Limited, which includes the renovation, modernisation, and expansion of the College’s Sports Complex. Learning Works, a company providing education and training, developed and operates a new private college specializing in sports. The new sports college provides various sports facilities, including a new football ground, swimming pool, various gymnasia, and a new sport science centre, all of which will be served by underground parking. Both students attending St Aloysius College and the Mediterranean College of Sport will benefit from the use of the latest state-of-the-art facilities. After school hours, the complex is also open to sport organisations and the general public. The new facility also comprises extensive renovations and upgrading of existing facilities pertaining to the current Sports Complex, such as the Sports Pavilion (a large indoor hall designed for handball, basketball and other sports), the gymnasium, cafeteria, and more.

This recreational complex includes a health and fitness centre, an 11-a-side FIFA approved synthetic football pitch, a six-lane IAAF approved athletics track, an indoor multi-purpose pavilion for handball, volleyball, netball, basketball, badminton, and futsal; aerobics/dance studios; physioteraphy room; conference room; two outdoor tennis courts and a cafeteria. 33

Infetti Ground The Infetti Ground is yet another sports facility in Birkirkara which sole comprises of a football pitch. The ground has a capacity of 2,500. It is currently used mostly for football matches and athletics training. It is the home grounds of the Birkirkara FC Football Academy. An interesting fact regarding this complex is its name which originates from Italian as Infetti translates to ‘infection’. In the past centuries these fields, had been developed into a sport complex however before, they used to serve as a graveyard for victims that had died with the plague. Birkirkara Tennis Club This tennis club was set up in 1983 on the initiative of Mr Eleno Mamo. Due to lack of facilities in Birkirkara the club started to make use of an abandoned court in Pembroke. It was the club’s ambition to find a suitable site in Birkirkara. In July 2000, the parliament unanimously approved the leasing of an area just off the Birkirkara bypass to the club. The project consisted of three tennis courts with hard base complete with floodlight lightening. The main court provides the seating commodity for spectator. It in, international tournaments are hosted, and this attracted sporting tourists from across the world. The club house also incorporates within it administration rooms and a gym.

IL-GŻIRA Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex - The National Swimming Pool This National Swimming Pool is the home of swimming, water polo, triathlon, synchoronised swimming and canoe polo. The pool is situated at Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex in Gżira which was used for its maiden time at the 1993 Small Games of European Nations which were held in Malta for the first time. It offers a full sized 50 metre olympic pool as well as a 25 metre pool and a 23 metre diving pool that is up to International Olympic Swimming Standards.

The pools are heated during the winter months and are monitored by the latest equipment to monitor the quality of water as per the WHO specifications. The complex is the main venue for competitive aquatic sports in Malta. Besides the National Water polo Leagues, various international water polo tournaments and important international swimming meetings are regularly held at the complex. The main pool boasts the presence of start-sensors and touch-time boards, which conform to IOC standards. The complex holds within it meeting rooms, a sports hall, a fully stocked sportspecific shop, squash courts and changing rooms with showers. The spectator capacity at the complex is that of 1,800. The offices of the Amateur Swimming Association Malta are located in this complex.

Malta University Sport Complex

SLIEMA

The Malta University Sport Complex is a great place to play squash as there are four courts available and it is located at Tal-Qroqq area in Gżira. Apart from the modern University Multipurpose Sports Hall where, basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics and martial arts can be practiced. The sport complex is also home to a Functional Diagnostic Lab, gym, and 5-a-side football grounds.

Sliema Pitch

Stella Maris College Sports Hall

The Exiles Beach Club Swimming Club

Named after St. Mutien-Marie, some of the key features at the sports hall in Stella Maris College, include; rubber floorings which caters for traditional team games such as futsal, handball, basketball, volleyball and hockey. The De La Salle brothers run this college located in Gżira. This multi-purpose hall includes a climbing wall, a bowling alley and is also used for badminton, gymnastics, curling and archery. The sporting facilities also include a football ground in the college which is located on the outskirts of the college.

This swimming club is situated in Sliema and is part of the Exiles Sports Club which has a waterpolo and swimming teams.

Manoel Island Yacht Marina The yacht marina is centrally located in Gżira, Malta and is the number one choice for all visiting yachts in Malta irrespective of size. It can accommodate vessels up to 80 meters in length. It provides metered water and electricity.

What better way than to spend your summer relaxing near the sea, than to enjoy it at the Sliema Pitch. Situated at the heart of Sliema, just off Tower Road and beneath the Fortizza, the Sliema Pitch is one of the most sought summer places in Malta. There are also diving centres that offer exciting adventures underwater.

SAN ĠILJAN The Eden Super Bowl Malta’s most famous bowling alley, is the largest tenpin bowling centre in Malta, offering 20 synthetic lanes of highest standards. The fully air-conditioned bowling arena is located at the heart of San Ġiljan and is the venue for the national and international tournaments as well as for kids parties and corporate functions.

L-IMSIDA Neptunes WPSC As one of the leading waterpolo and swimming clubs in Malta, established in 1929, the waterpolo sports centre premises are situated in the picturesque Balluta Bay at San Ġiljan and offers facilities to swimmers and waterpolo players alike, that are the best available on the island. The freshwater pool can be heated during the winter months and is 33.3 metres long and 22.5 metres wide. A fully equipped fitness centre, changing rooms and showers are also available on the premises. St George’s Bay Beach St Georges Bay is one of the most attractive sandy beaches in Malta. Located at the heart of the entertainment mecca known as Paceville in San Ġiljan, it is the place where many tourists and students like to take a dip into our clean Maltese waters. It is a location within San Ġiljan where a large percentage of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and various English-language schools are located. The beach is ideal for sports activites such as beach volley, beach soccer, underwater diving and water skiing.

Msida Marina The 720 berth Msida and Ta' Xbiex Marina, operated by Creek Developments Plc, can handle pleasure yachts of up to 22m in length. Long sought-after for the convenient central location and the shelter afforded from the prevailing NorthWesterly winds, the marina is also naturally protected from other wind directions, while the breakwater protects against a North-Easterly swell. Msida Outdoor Skate Park The largest skate park in Malta is located within one of Msida's central roundabouts which is found in close proximity to the University Of Malta. It is a concrete skate park. There are no entrance fees and hence anyone is free to visit the park and practice as much one desires. St Martin's Sports Complex Located in Imsida, it offers several facilities to the local and international sports and leisure community. The facilities comprises of a Multi-Purpose Sports Hall (basketball, handball, volleyball, futsal, badminton, etc.), three artificial turf 5-a-side pitches, two tennis courts, a hostel (with lodging for up to 90 persons), cafeteria and classrooms for meetings, conferences and more. St Martin's Sports Complex is situated in a very centralised location in l-Imsida, just opposite the new Mater Dei Hospital, with regular buses servicing the area.

Promotion of Sport Tourism in the Region Around half of Malta’s population relates to the tourism industry directly or indirectly. Since 2019, Malta has reached the 2.8 million tourist mark. This meant that we had to find a solution to bridge tourism with sport thus promoting the sporting industry in Malta further. Through the help of the Malta Tourism Authority and Sportmalta, this niche is being promoted regularly by organizing events to attract tourists specifically to participate in sport. Cities from the Central Region of Malta namely Sliema, San Ġiljan, Ġżira, Imsida and Ta’ Xbiex are all contributing through the help of their respective local councils. Tourism in Malta is an important sector of the country's economy, contributing to about 15 % of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). More than half of this percentage is generated in the Central Region. All this is overseen by the Malta Tourism Authority, which falls under the responsibility of the Minister for Tourism. Malta and the five local regions including the Central Region features a number of tourism attractions encompassing elements of the island's rich history and culture, as well as aquatic activities associated with our Mediterranean culture. Before the Covid-19 outbreak, the National Statistics Office revealed, an increase of 5.9% in tourism over 2018. Total nights spent by inbound tourists went up by 4.1%, surpassing 19.3 million nights. The total tourism expenditure was estimated at €2.2 billion, 5.7% higher than that recorded in 2018 and the total expenditure per capita stood at €807. It estimated that in 2019, 190,000 visiting tourists participated in sporting activities, the most popular of course being diving but in recent years other activities such as abseiling and kayaking have considerably increased in popularity. Sports tourism has grown considerably over the past 12 months, particularly through Malta training camps in the MFA Grounds at Attard from a number of international football teams, that has yielded over €5 million in the economy. A number of studies, showed that through a joint-effort by Malta Tourism Authoriy, the Malta FA and Sports Plus Ltd, these training camps have generated 30,000 bednights, the majority of these, benifited localities such as Sliema, San Ġiljan and Gżira due to the numerous hotels situated in the Central Region. Sports tourism has been increasing significantly over the past years and further growth is expected in the future. International Sports Tourism is defined as any trip of one night and over made outside one's normal country of residence, during which athletic activities predominate. Participant sports tourists can be classified into two main categories, recreational and competitive. Recreational sports tourists travel to engage in sporting activities for fun, whilst competitive sports tourists travel to train in their particular sport or to participate

in competitions. It is envasiged that if the pandemic is behind us by 2023, Malta will host two major events, the Games of Small Euroopean natuions and the UEFA Under 19’s which will boast the Sports Tourism both in spectators and in participants. Diving is a well-established tourism segment for Malta, having a share of approximately 6% of the total tourist flows into the country. Football training camps, athletics and a host of other events already attract varying quantities of visitors to Malta and some of these activities possess strong prospects for growth in the near future. The Central Region contributes continouslytowards this growth. The organisation of events also contributes to attracting sports tourists to the destination. Every year, Malta hosts a number of international sport events including the 'Middle Sea Race' held annually in October and the ‘Malta Marathon’. Held every year in late February or early March, this race attracts a number of international competitors and approximately 1,400 entrants participate. The Malta Marathon held its first edition 41 years ago, finishing by the coastline in Sliema, the participating athletes run through the streets of other cities of the Central Region such as Ta’ Xbiex and Gżira. During the past two years the Malta Marathon was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the organisers have targeted the 6th March for the 2022 as the date of the first postpandemic marathon. Another event which attracts Sport Tourism to Malta is the 93 km Malta to Sicily, International Swimming Relay Race which starts from San Ġiljan to Modica and back. This event attracts swimmers as far as down under, Australia. As already mentioned, tourism is a major industry to the economy of Malta and its Central Region because of its strategic position in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Coastal tourism is another great promoter of the Maltese tourist activity, backing a new modality known as Beach Plus committed to combining the beach with other activity such as Surfing and Sailing which in the Central Region is very popular with other products of natural tourism.

Sport finance in the region and volunteering The finance of sport in the Central Region is part of a financing programme which is managed on a national level by SportMalta, which is the Council of Sport in Malta. Through various aspects, such as the commercialization of sport, a Good Causes Fund tax rebates to parents whose children under the age of 16 practice sport in our academies and nurseries besides grants distributed from government or the Malta Olympic Committee. On the other hand, clubs who are solely managed by volunteers depend mainly on sponsors. Voluntary entities manage about 80% of the sport activity in the central region of the Maltese islands. Voluntary entities are those entities that, are constituted with legal personality and non-profit status, develop voluntary action programmes in sport and have are funded through the funding of its volunteers. In all regions in Malta sport is managed by volunteers. Recently the Government passed a legislation with good intentions to help clubs and associations generate more financial power through the commercialization of the club. Sports organisations should be the net beneficiaries of the new legislation, which will provide them with an opportunity to create new income streams that up to now has not been possible. The proposed legislation aims to support sports organisations in being financially self-sufficient and less dependent on donors or sponsors. Sports organisations will have to run their own administration in a professional manner in order to achieve the targets set by this legislation. This will strengthen the sporting sector in general, as more efficient, and expert organisations will lead to the establishment of good practice in the development of sporting disciplines within the organisation. Another outcome is that increased income will translate into an investment of higher quality facilities and equipment, and in first-rate coaches. All of these conditions will enable better training of athletes from the grassroots to elite levels in a more professional environment. Mainly all locations in our region are trying tom include this legislation in tkeir sport clubs, with the football club of Sliema Wanderers are in thr forefront to do so. All this is managed under the auspices of SportMalta who are determined to make difference. The unyielding principles guiding the SportMalta are integrity, transparency and accountability. Irrelevant of any changes in the environment within which SportMalta operates, its council will remain loyal to these values.

SportMalta recently signed an agreement with the Maltese Olympic Committee that will see the governmental body provide €2.7 million in technical assistance for the next four years. This assistance helps the Maltese Olympic Committee to be in a better position to independently establish what funds are available to help in the technical preparation of the athletes, particularly for major international events, and to host international competitions. The government has budgeted to spent 11 million euro in sport facilities for the next three years between 2021 and 2023. Our region will benefit enormously from this. One of the government’s biggest budget proposals for the education sector, is an investment in a new sports complex at the University of Malta in Gżira. The complex will include, among other things, performing an indoor track, a full-sized football pitch, an Olympic track and a new building for the Institute of Physical Education and the Performing Arts School. This new sport complex will enhance the number of facilites in the area and in the Central Region. Local authorities in our Central Region have a central role to play in the provision of community sport and recreation facilities. From the local parks to leisure centres, local councils enable a huge range of leisure activities and sport to happen. They also have an important leadership role to play, bringing schools, voluntary sport clubs, national governing bodies of sport, health and the private sector together to forge partnerships, unblock barriers to participation and improve the local sport delivery system.

In recent years, Central Government has been committed to decentralising and empowering local communities and local authorities to make the best and most suitable decisions to react to local needs. The government's sports strategy argues that this approach is appropriate for sport and leisure too. The strategy involves markets that vary locally and therefore different places require their own unique strategies. For this reason, the central government has devolved many areas of decision making to the local level. Another way a sport entity can benefit is through the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund which is set under the Lotteries and Other Games Act, and has the main scope of helping out various individuals, agencies or organisations that have a social, cultural, educational, sport, philanthropic, or religious activity. Clubs and other organisations from the Central Region have benefited from this fund, intended to support projects and initiatives in support of other deserving causes, in such amounts, as may be determined from time to time after consultation with an Advisory Board. SportMalta manages also a deduction rebate programme from taxable income for individuals who have paid fees for sports activities attended by children under the age of sixteen. Individuals who have paid fees for sport activities in respect of children are eligible to benefit from this programme. All this shows that although there is help for clubs and other organisations to organize their sporting activities, volunteers had to work hard to achieve results. We should be grateful for having such dedicated people who give their time for sports without requesting anything in return. Without such volunteers, sports as we know it today would not have been possible. Some voluntary participation studies have revealed that it is the diversity of factors that motivate people to get involved in voluntary activites. At a community level, the practice of volunteering enhances social cohesion and improves the innovation capacity of the society, develops social support and on a more personal level, it enables citizens to learn and develop skills and contributes to a sense of achievement and motivation.

Promotion of health and integration through sport in social life and fairplay

Beginners sessions are held for various ages to build confidence in water and enjoy swimming safely. In summer we boast 7000 participants in swimming activities from 400 weekly sessions offered at different times and venues mainly the National Pool Complex at Tal-Qroqq in Gżira.

The promotion of health and integration of our citizens in the community is one of our goals for the immediate future. There are many initiatives and programmes organised locally and on a national level to help us achieve a better future for our Maltese citizens.

Sport Malta selection of coaching staff is quite intensive to provide an optimal service to our customers with interviews varying from presentation skills, certification acquired and past proven coaching abilities. This helps management to select the best quality programmes in a bid to give our children and adult participants a quality training session. Moving a nation through the promotion and development of sport for a healthy, inclusive and successful Malta, is Sport Malta’s mission.

There are many programmes some of which organised by Sport Malta which help the promotion of health and integration through sport in all social classes. All this must be in the frame work of fairplay. The stimulation of sport as a tool for social inclusion and cohesion plays a part in the structure of the central region and gives special attention to children and young people who are vulnerable or at a high risk at social exclusion.

Sport Academies includes Triathlon, Gymnastics, Badminton, Horse Racing, Weightlifting. Snooker and Athletics are mainly aimed to attract more children start another sport; besides, Football, Basketball, Waterpolo and Swimming. Be-Active Club, Running and Jogging Club, Bike Club, Adventure Programs and Elderly Programs are other healthy sport programs all aimed for better living and well-being, in our region.

The European Week of Sport is a week for everyone, regardless of age, social background, race, religion or fitness level. For six years, the European Week of Sport has helped to tackle the inactivity crisis by encouraging European citizens to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

Many successful initiatives have been implemented through health and sport plans, local sports medicine centers and programs to foster sport as a tool to improve health. The sport practice by elderly people is practiced in the Central Region. Walking and jogging are amongst the most popular.

Launched in 2015, the European Week of Sport was created in response to the worsening inactivity crisis. Despite sport and physical activity substantially contributing to the well being of European citizens, the level activity is currently stagnating and even declining in some countries especially due to the pandemic which has led to more people spending time at home rather than going out for a jog or two. There needs to be a plan to ensure that post this pandemic crisis, sports is reintroduced in the daily routine of the majority of the people. Regardless of who we are and what we do, even slight increase in regular, physical activity can have a profound impact on our long-term health. This week is designed to give people across the world a springboard into physical activity.

The Central Region in Malta, supports the concept of Special Olympics Malta which is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities working with hundreds of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.

Sport on the Move is another programme maintained by Sport Malta that offers all age groups to enjoy sports in various localities in our Central Region. Young children programmes are available for children from the age of 4 years to motivate, develop their talents, build confidence and be active at the same time based on the ABC principle (agility, balance coordination and speed). The Sport START progamme is a combination of different sport activities for children between ages of 7 and 10. Artistic sport like dancing namely Hip Hop, Ballet, contemporary and jazz is also offered at different venues with professional coaches from entry-level to advanced levels. Adults are also offered a various of programmes from artistic sessions like Line dancing, sequence and salsa for ages 17+ and over. These programmes are very popular with seniors of over 60 +. Swimming sessions are very popular in Malta, and SportMalta invests a lot of resources in teaching and helping children and adults develop their skills and motivates/promotes this sport in a healthy way.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with disability. These activities give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship. Many athletes from the Central Region particpate in activites organised by Special Olympics Malta. Founded in 2000, the registered athletes and unified partners as per the 2019 census stood at: 2679 athletes, 85 coaches, 36 competitions The official sports practised at Special Olympics Malta are; Athletics. Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Dance Fitness, Floor Hockey, Football, Golf, Artistic Gymnastics, Hockey, Open Water Swimming, Swimming, Table Tennis and Triathlon. The Maltese sport legislation ensures a sport practice free from doping, violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance. The Central Region in all its localities, promotes a fair-play attitude which aims towards a fair and respectful game that represents the authentic values of the sport.

Promotion of free sport for all The practise of sport must be encouraged at least as a recreational character as less than 10% ot the people living in the Central Region are involved in some type of sport on a competitive level. However the percentage of people who practise sport freely is higher and this must be encouraged through various initiatives. In the last few years there was a clear increase in the Central Region population that practises sport within the insititutions both private and public that promotes and host its practise. The sporting practise has become a key factor in social relationships and a clear indicator of social approval. The practise of walking and strolling improves the physical fitness. With the Ta’ Qali Park as the central location in our area to pratise walking in an enviormental way, many citizens from the Central Region like to practise such free sport in this area especially during the weekends. An increase of people who respect their well-being was registered in the last years. The use of bicycle as means of transport is increasing favoured by the increase infrastructers and measures on our roads to promote more sustainable transport. Recently a Central Link project was inaugurated in our Central Region for a better flow of traffic in the area. This road link has a bicycle lane to encourage people the use of the bicycle safely. In recent years a type of physical sports trend is beconing important without the need of practise sport in a centre to do physical activity or at a certain time. Thie new trend does not seek sport performance but is driven by the pleasure of doing sport in a different enviornment then the conventional one. The promotion of free sport for all is priceless and must be encourage to people of all ages. The practise of free sport can be found in cycling, walking/strolling and running. So to encourge more frgee sport our roads has to be safer and friendly. These activites involve the use of a series of facilities that are not within the conventional networks. Thus such urban spaces such as promonades which in our Region we have plenty (ie Gżira, Sliema and San Ġiljan) are being adapted to accomodate the large number of people who use them for walking and running.

Climate Change Our towns and cities play a fundamental role in the fight against climate change. The use of bicycles, the public transport and more electric cars are regularly publicized to decrease the number of vehicle on our roads to have a better air pollution. In Malta the number of ptivate cars has increased substantially with the number of foregin people living in Malta has been blown out of proportion as within years our population has increased from 400,000 to half a million. With this in mind health and well being; sustainable cities and communities and climate action are the goals that every region must achieve in the coming near future. Our Central Region is in the midst of this problem as many parts of the region and the most populated in Malta mentiong Birkirkara and Sliema without mentiong that the San Ġiljan area the entertainment area of Malta not only the Central Region attracts thousands everyday especially in summer, Our community is determined to change the type of consumption as an effective way to fight two greatest enviormental threats – climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The most relevant examples in the Central Region are the cities of Birkirkara, Gżira, Sliema and San Ġiljan. For a better sustainably mobility, processes and action are needed to sneure that the movement of people and goods, services and relationships are carried out with a positive enviormental impact, hence contributing to the fight against climate change, energy saving and efficency, the improvement of health and the reduction of noise and air pollution .

Promotion of Youths in sport on national level A healty country and a healty region must have a new generation of youths participate in professional sport and not just as a hobby. Leisure sport is healthy but youths to achieve their goals must be determined and ambitious to embrace the Youth Development Scheme revised and launched again in April 2021 by our Maltese Olympic Committee. As Malta is a very small country a project like this must be run on national level, thus all five regions including our Central Region benefits a lot from such a scheme which encourage more youths ti take sport seriously.

Revised Scheme The Youth Development Scheme, was previously known as the Youth Elite Scheme. The revised Scheme continues to build on the previous scheme and now includes six categories for athletes born between 2004 and 2009 as well as a category for athletes aged 18+. The selection criteria is based on the athletes’ projected performance level of each nominated athlete and for which input of the athlete’s coach and affiliated Federation was taken into account. All MOC affiliated Federations and Association including those located in our region were invited to submit their nominations. All received nominations were thoroughly vetted by a selection Committee set up by the MOC. Coaches were required to fill in assessments. “The Maltese Olympic Committee was thoroughly satisfied with the level of ongoing communication and close collaboration with all Federations. This kind of co-operation ensures the best possible environment for our athletes to grow and reach their potential” explained Johanna Grech, Youth Commission Chair. Selection process Apart from having a selection process based on technical criteria and performance trajectory, the Committee’s projected outcomes from the Youth Development Scheme are three fold: A - Investment in holistic athlete development, B - Establishing of an ongoing development journey C - Building one team for Malta. Athletes’ placement in one of the six categories were based on their projected performance trajectory. Apart from financial funding athletes will also benefit from a number of services such as the use of the Functional Diagnostic Laboratory, Sports Psychologist, Sports Nutritionist, Athletic Trainer and other approved services that might be required from time to time. The chosen athletes to particapting in the scheme are regular evaluation and mentoring to ensure they gain the correct guidance and encouragement. “The Maltese Olympic Committee continues with its commitment to invest in the future of sport. The selected athletes have not only shown commitment and dedication but have already proven themselves by achieving some very impressive results. The amount being invested which is over €70,000 will contribute towards the athletes achieving their full potential. The MOC takes the opportunity to thank Sport Malta for their contribution towards this scheme”said Julian Pace Bonello, President, Maltese Olympic Committee on the launching of this Youth Development Scheme.

Together for the next generation of Team Malta The 2021 Scheme revised the Youth Elite Scheme that focused on youth elite athletes work towards a long term development journey for each athlete. Young Maltese athletic talent faces a variety of challenges on their uphill journey to reach their potential, in sport and beyond. Sport does not play a substantial role in Maltese culture and society, and historically has never been considered more than a hobby or fun activity. While there are new developments to see physical activity as beneficial to obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle, those focusing on their sport, as a primary development context or career, remain often isolated and face many obstacles and resistance in their pursuit of sports excellence.

Building one Team for Malta Within each sport there is only a limited number of athletes with the talent and mindset needed to become a performance athlete. The MOC YDS wants to bring potential future performance athletes together from the different sports disciplines. 2021 Youth Development Scheme Categories Recipients’ Benefits according to Performance Trajectory Category I – Global Championships / Olympic Games €2000 + Educational System** + 4 sessions of Services*** (4 athletes) Category II – Continental Championships / Global Youth €1200 + Educational System** + 3 sessions of Services*** (12 athletes)

In response to these challenging circumstances the MOC committed to work towards the following outcomes:

Category III – GSSE Medallist

Selection Process based on Technical Criteria & Performance Trajectory

€800 + Educational System** + Functional Diagnostic Laboratory Testing (20 athletes)

There is a commitment to support all athletes across sports disciplines who show potential to represent Malta at the highest level. The level of financial assistance and what services this support entails does depend primarily on the potential as determined by Technical Personnel.

Category IV – Maltese Champion

Investment in Holistic Athlete Development

€400 + Educational System** (35 athletes) Category V – Youth Development Pool Educational System** (30 athletes)

Being an Athlete is very different to playing a sport. In a culture almost hostile to making sport a real priority and potentially a career the MOC Youth Commission wants to invest in the next generation in all areas of their identity as athletes and human beings. Establishing an ongoing Development Journey The MOC Youth Commission seeks to work closely with the MOC Technical Commission, all associations / federations and other stakeholders of sports development to ensure that athletes are supported all the way from talent-identification to competing at the highest level as adult athletes.

Intermediate +18 Category Varied Amounts according to Performance Trajectory + Educational System** + 3 sessions of Services*** (7 athletes)

**Educational System is €50 per person. *** Services always include Functional Diagnostic Laboratory Testing & a selection of Sports related services including Nutrition, Psychology, Athletic Trainers and/or other MOC approved services as required and agreed upon.

The Central Region supports the Scheme As Malta is a small country a Scheme of this kind helps our five regions including our Central Region a healthy up bringing of our youth generation which we support and look forward that each year participate to eliminate hazard habits in a world which promotes other alternatives without all the sacrifices needed by youth athlete to reach his goals. The Central Region fully support the Youth Development Scheme of the Malta Olympic Committee. A Communication Plan needed to promote the region’s candidacy The promotion of the Central Region candidacy as the European Region of sport 2023, depends on a communication plan. The actions of this communication plan must emphasis on the autonomous community will obtain, The promotional events and activities must be enjoyed by the public in general. The general goals of the communication plan to promote the Central Region candidacy are various.

A development of an app to promote the Central Region as a region of sport is essential nowadays in the world of social media. This app ensure that the message is delivered with fluid communication between the agents participating in the application process and maxsimize the dissemination of the evnt to the Central Region citizens. The different areas of such an app will enables a quick look to interested users to observe the development of the whole project. The evaluation of the KPI’s which includes social networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube) newsletter and website ensure compliance within the planned communication actions and facilitate effective and transperent project management for the application in general. The espected KPI’s results of the activities of diffusion and communication must be defined at the beginingof the holistic plan.

First and foremost is the projection and the organization of an efficient communication with ACES Europe. The plan must be known to those potential agents and the main beneficiaries oif the European Sport region project. Specific objectives are needed regarding the internal communications with a systematize communication to keep the organisatiions informed. People in the region must be encouraged to engage in physical sports activites in all segments of society. An overall strategy is divided according to the target groups so the messages will spread as a result of such a communication plan. Internal Communication The internal communication stratedy aims to structure information to be effective, fluid and efficient between the agenbts directly involved in this project. External Communication The external communication strategy includes communication to direct recipients and groups of indirect policymakers, the media and society. Head of Communication Candidature. An officer must be elected to ensure the proper development of the plan. This officer must have the role of Head of Communication for the candidature. He has to oversee that the plan is carried out successfully as well as top make sure that the communication activites are consistently related with each of the recipient. Web and IT are the key tools to communicate with those mostly interested in the region. Promotional and reference material besides publications, events and the media as essential to ensure that the message of this project is being communicated.

To achieve the main objectives of ACES Europe manifesto A Healty practise; construction of values; integration into society; an economic activity; a mass spectacle; a tourist attraction; enjoying the nature enviorment and a relevenat instrument of leisure are a multitude of additional aspects why sport since its origin has been a source of passion and an exponent of the many capacties of a human being. Sport is a universal language and represents one of the most important influencial social phenomens in today’s society. In our candidacy for the Europe Sport of Region 2023, the main objectives of ACES Europe manifesto regarding the values of sport allow us to establish an ideal setting to promote well-being and the happines through sport of all citizens living in the Central Region of Malta. Sport is an excellent alternative for healty leisure , a source of fun and enjoyment with other people. Our Central Region is a priveleged destination for practising all kind of sport indoor and outdoor, on land or in our seas that surrond us. Sense of community emphasizing the right of citizens to practise sport and access to it by different social groups. The promotion of sport for people with disabilities and the elderly, are improving their quality of life. The sport practise recorded an increase of people of various ages in sport participation in the last five years in the region. More citizens are relating sport to a healty life style and need to practise sport to live a healty life away from a plenty of massive healty hazards. It was recorded that more than 60% over the age of under 15 have practised at least once during the past couple of years. Physical sport activities in our schools in the Central Region are practised at the school-age level during school hours. There are non-school hours of practise and are of voluntary participation. Such programmes combine the technical aspects related to the values of fair play. We must promote peace and harmony in sport persevering fair play to identify human values in sport. This includes the eradication of violnce, raxism, inolerance and xenophobia in sport. Thus sport in the Central Region is considered an activity of general interest that fulfills educational, cultural, social, economic and healthy function directing sport practise towards the integral development and the achievement of values of our citizens . Such values infuse healty habits and żimprovments of public health. In recent years it was noticed an increase in the Central Region population that performs sporting acivities in the private and public organisations. Sports reality has become one of the most dynamic activity in our society linked to tourism, health, education, culture and leisure.

Active Ageing promotion In line with the policies of the World Health Organisation and the European Union and in order to promote healty and active ageing the Sport Physical activity programme for citizens over 55 years old must be included altough a programme in this sens is already implimented in the Be Active programme of SportMalta. Sport in Schools is a must Sport in Schools should be included from the very begining of a student’s life. Physical sport activites must be planned an possibbly teached during school hours. This will help increase the rate of sport practise amongst the school age population. Olympism has to be in all childrens minds with the objective to disseminate the values of sport and the Olympic ideology within primary schools students. Malta has never won a medal in the history of the Modern Olympics, parecipatuing in every edition. This may create a barrier of non-popularity of the biggest sporting event in the world on pur mainland. Schools in our Central Region do all they can to attract children from their childhood to love sport either as athletes or spectators. Women in Sport The partecipation of women in sport has to be given attention as the number of women in sport in Malta is not high. Their must be a holistic plan to attract more women to sport which must be introduced on a national level not on a regional one. Walking, running, jogging and gym training is mainly popular amongst women in our region. Their are programmes of sport activites exclusively fo women but a campaign to attract more women to sport must be part of a Sport and Equality programme which has the aim to raise awarness among sport organisations to achieve real equality for women in the field of sport in the Central Region through different actions. The need of mentors To support these initiatives , all programmes need more mentors to attract citizens to sport. Elite sportmen and sportwomen must be included in every programme that promotes sport to attract people to healty lifestyle habits and sporting values in children and young people. Progressively these mentors bring training in values and the promotion of healty habits to the schoolage population at different levels. This will constitute a remarkable interest in the training and particiaption in sport in our Central Region. This programme can help the fight to eradicate obesity in our children which in Malta is the highest in the European Union.

In the years 2021 and 2022, the Central Region considers a series of initiatives and campagns as future European Sport Region.

Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) As the sole recognised body to represent the Sport of Rugby Union in Malta & Gozo, the Malta Rugby Football Union’s (MRFU) is to promote Rugby Union and its variations to as many people as possible. This is done through the hosting of activities that showcase the game to various groups of people of varying ability. The foundation of the Union’s Activities centres on the traditional format of 15-aside rugby union, with the local 15s League and Cup being the MRFU’s tentpole events since its conception, having been a natural progression following the formation of local clubs to compete against the resident British Armed forces teams during their time in Malta. Since then, Maltese Rugby has excelled in exceeding expectations that the resources available to it allow, and thanks to these efforts, the Union is proud to have a world class Men’s National Team which currently ranks 38th Globally, with eyes set on higher rankings and promotion into higher level competitions. Recent years and global trends have also seen a boom in offshoots of the traditional game, primarily in the form of 7-aside rugby, which is also the Olympic Standard form of Rugby Union. This fast paced variation of the game has attracted a whole new subset of athletes to the sport, and is one of the fastest growing forms of the sport in world. Locally, this version of the sport is also the cornerstone for Women’s Rugby, with the Women’s League growing year on year as more women’s teams form and the skill level of all players grows to provide a whole other exciting facet to the local game. The inclusion of Rugby 7s in the 2023 edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe which will be hosted in Malta, has been nothing but a boost for the Local Rugby Community, creating further opportunities for the promotion of the sport on the local stage with promotional programmes to introduce rugby in schools and to the general public already underway. It also goes without saying, that the National Team Structure is gearing itself up to win Gold in the 2023 games. All this plays into the community aspect of Rugby, with game days being as much a social event for all as they are showcases of local sporting competition. This community aspect is what drives the Union to further its hosting capabilities through a jam-packed calendar of locally hosted international events. Whilst the Home matches for the men’s 15s National Team are the showcase events for the MRFU, allowing the Union to present the sport on a grand stage in a local forum, the Union’s ever expanding roster of locally hosted international tournaments, have made Malta a landmark location for touring rugby teams. The international club tournaments hosted throughout the season, covering 7s and 15s, for Men, Women, Youths, and even Veterans, have become annual events for many a club throughout Europe, developing with each year to allow for more teams and grander showcases. These events not only showcase Malta as a travel destination for sports teams, but also giving the MRFU exceptional opportunities to expose the local player base to a variety of new challenging teams, furthering their development. All of this has given the MRFU the pleasure of cultivating a community with cornerstone principles of Rugby, Respect, Discipline, Teamwork, and Fun, at its core. Providing a Sporting environment for all its members, ranging from those looking for a social way to stay fit up to those aiming for the privilege of representing their country on the International stage. 65

European Region of Sport 2021 Application – Esports What is Esports? Esports consists of the competitive side of videogames, wherein players and teams compete against each other in organised competitions. Esports tournaments range from casual events to amateur and professional level of play, with live streaming and broadcasting having seen the activity surge in popularity, exposure and professionalism. Whilst most video-games do not lend themselves to being played competitively, the development of an esports title requires an even more specific set of circumstances, including the size of the playerbase, viewership, the existence of organised leagues and large prizepools and in-built competitive game design, rulesets strategic depth and a high-skill ceiling. Esports consists of a multitude of videogame titles with several different categories. Amongst the most popular esports titles, one may find League of Legends and Dota 2, two examples of the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre, CounterStrike and Valorant, two tactical shooter games, whilst other genres include real time strategy, battle royale, sports and racing simulators fighting and card games amongst others. As esports is played over the internet, esports benefits greatly from the fact that the interface transcends borders. At any time of the day, people from around the globe can be competing against each other, and it is very common to have multi-national teams competing at most events. Furthermore, since broadcasting of esports tournaments largely occurs over streaming websites such as Twitch and Youtube as opposed to television, content is easily accessible, and distributed equitably around the world. Total esports viewership is expected to reach 646 million by 2023, doubling viewership in 2017. What is the Connection between Esports and Sports? Esports has developed a professional scene, with professional leagues, players and team brands, with sponsors and investors who are both endemic and non-endemic to the industry. Many traditional sports leagues and teams are now turning to esports to target a younger audience. FIFA, UEFA, Formula 1, the NBA and the Olympics have all organised their own esports championships, involving traditional sports teams such as Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AC Milan. Like any other competitive activity, success in esports requires skill, study, quick reactions, accuracy, strategy and teamwork. Whilst the activity does not have the same physical requirements of physical sports, physical and mental wellbeing plays a very important part.

Esports & the ACES Values Esports and sports push participants to be the best version of themselves, and we wish to see this similarity used to meet the shared values: Enjoyment in exercise; Videogames are designed to be fun and competitive. With the right eduction, esports can act as a gateway for individuals who lead sedentary and immobile lifestyles to want to invest in physical activity in order to be better. Willingness to achieve;

Esports within the Malta Region of Sports Esports involved within Malta’s envisaged activities for the Malta Region of Sports will include educational initiatives focusing on the following: 1. The importance of an active lifestyle; 2. Good nutrition; 3. Prevention of match-fixing;

Esports is all about competition and reaching new heights, whether its in national or international competition. Sense of community; Esports introduces players to a broad spectrum of nationalities, cultures and beliefs. The normalisation of such multi-cultural interaction helps in creating a sub-culture which is not defined by their differences, but rather by their common passion. Learning fair play; and

4. The competitive mindset; and 5. Mental health. Activities organised shall also include workshops which will involve opportunities and learning outcomes, such as the opportunity to test out professional-grade racing simulators, and also the hands-on teaching of skills such as teamwork, broadcasting and more.

Fairplay and sportsmanship are necessary learning outcomes for any competitor, whether in sports or esports. Improvement of health. The necessity of a good fitness level, not just physical but also mental is necessary for success in any competition.

Status of Esports in Malta Esports is quickly developing as both a popular activity amongst Malta’s youth, as well as an economic niche for the country, fulfilling the sub-sectors of sports tourism as well as the videogame development and tech industries. Malta has already played host to a number of international tournaments, attracting international top teams from around the world to compete on stage in Malta, but also there is a budding local community numbering several thousands, serviced through grassroots initiatives such as community events, national tournaments and other initiatives. Furthermore, a large community of young expatriates and other digital nomads living and working in Malta has increased the number and quality of esports enthusiasts and competitors on the island. Many Nordic and German youngsters, both countries with strong esports cultures, are being integrated into the local community through esports.

2023 Sports Events and Activities programme

Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club Calendar of Events 2021

The Central Region is an ideal place for sport. Some locations in the region are popular to practice sport with an enviable climate. Indoor and outdoor facilities are available thus a range of events in different disciplines are organized throughout the year.

running – cycling – swimming – triathlon

Aquatic sport is most popular during the summer season namely swimming, waterpolo, sailing, windsurfing, underwater diving, water skiing and more. In the winter season all team sport football, basketball, volleyball, handball etc are available but other disciplines such as cycling, triathlon, running and a challenge marathon are practised to mention a few. Programmes at training level are various. In view of the 2023 Euro’ Under 19, the Malta Football Association is planning to build a new stadium in its training areas near the National Stadium and this will make the Ta’ Qali area a sustainable location for sport. In this area there are the National Stadium, the Centenary Stadium, the MFA training grounds and there are plans for a new stadium. The SportMalta and the Parlamentary Secretary for Sport will see that all other sport facilities must be in place to host the 20th edition of the Games of Small Nations to be held in Malta in June. A budget for the refurbishment of the facilities is already allocated by the central government. This has already started to maintain the facilities and the National Basketball Complex in Attard is an example of one of the facilities already in place and was inaugurated in December 2020. During the Small Games of Nations there will be competition in the sport disciplines of athletics, swimming, judo, tennis, table tennis, shooting, rugby sevens, squash, sailing and basket 3x3. It is estimated that 1,000 persons which includes athletes and officials will be in Malta for this international event. The National Association, clubs and other sport organization in the Central Region can only gain from the refurbishing of infrastructure and the building of new facilities.

June 23 Open Sea Swim 1

2 kilometres

Sprint Triathlon 1

750m swim, 5 kilometres, 2 kilometres

5K Running Series 1

5 kilometres

Open Sea Swim 2

2 kilometres

BSJ Arch Criterium Open Sea Swim 3

2 kilometres

July 23 Sprint Triathlon 2

750m swim, 5 kilometres, 2 kilometres

Open Sea Swim 4

2 kilometres

5K Running Series 2

5 kilometres

Open Sea Swim 5

2 kilometres

Open Sea Swim 6

4 kilometres

August 23 Reserved for OWS Postponement

To be advised

5K Running Series 3

5 kilometres

(Malta)-Gozo-Malta Open Sea Swim

5.5 Kilometers

September 23 Sprint Triathlon 3

750m swim, 5 kilometres, 2 kilometres

Sprint Triathlon 4

750m swim, 5 kilometres, 2 kilometres

Reserved for Sprint Triathlon Postponement

October 23 Ocean Lava Malta Middle Distance Tri

1900 meters swim, 90 kilometers bike, 21 kilometers run

November 23

EVENTS PLANNED FOR 2023

Malta International Challenge Marathon 1

16 Kilometers

Malta International Challenge Marathon 2

5 Kilometers

Malta International Challenge Marathon 3

21 Kilometers

Event

Month

Location

Malta Marathon

February

Ta’ Xbiex/Gżira/Sliema

Sportsday for Government Schools

Games for Small Nations Europe

May

Ta’ Qali Attard/ Gżira

December 23

UEFA Euro Under 19’s

June/July

Ta’ Qali Attard

Malta Open Bowling Championships

June

San Ġiljan

BSJ 10K/5K Road Races and Walk

10 Kilometers / 5 Kilometers

January – May 2023 Football under 16 Regionnal Cup Rughy tournament Regional Cup Women football ( Football for all ) in Govement schools

March – May 2023 BMX

Application bid European Region of Sports 2020

Articles inside

The sport facilities and other infrastructure networks in the central region of Malta

Challenges through sport

Why we aspire to be a Region of Sport

Letter of commitment

Malta strategic position between Europe and Africa

Culture, education, tourism and sport

The localities

Message – Hon. David Casa, Member of the European Parliament

2023 will be a year to remember

Hospitality of our Nation