Anti-Doping Organisation

Launch of the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO), an organisation with the aim of serving as a deterrence to prohibited substances

National Anti-Doping Organisation Launched

“We are required to safeguard the integrity of Sports, this can be achieved by keeping banned substances away from sports” Hon. Clyde Puli said this during the official launch of the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO), an organisation with the aim of serving as a deterrence to prohibited substances in sports.

Clyde Puli explained how in 2009, the  Malta Sports Council (KMS) was officially recognised  as the National Anti-Doping Organisation by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Hon. Puli stated that through this, a process of updating started to align Maltese Law with laws and regulations as set by WADA. This led us to a legal notice that was published in 2011 through which NADO was officially recognised.

Following this Malta also ratified both the conventions of the Council of Europe and the United Nations regarding doping. Later on during that year the Anti-Doping Commission, Anti- Doping Disciplinary Board, the Anti-Doping Appeals Board, and the Therapeutic Use Exemptions Committee were formed within the National Anti-Doping Organisation. As of now NADO has engaged a National Co-ordinator and is in the process of engaging Doping Control Officers.

NADO has officially set up a “registered testing pool” that includes athletes at National and International levels that can be asked, at any time, to submit themselves to be tested. Test may also be carried out on any athletes participating in sports competitions. All tests will be sent abroad to be checked in WADA approved centres.

Another responsibility NADO will be taking upon its shoulder is that of education, with the aim of teaching athletes on the negative impacts substances have on the human body, and will also carry out campaigns within sport organisations to better explain the rules and procedures NADO will be following.

Hon.Puli explained how all European Governments are recognising the threats that are facing sports, and quoted the IOC president Jacques Rogge, who stated that during the past 20 years the amount of athletes who made use of illegal substances has grown from 5% to 20%

This seminar was also addressed by KMS Chairman Bernard Vassallo, the Chairperson for the Anti-Doping Commission Maria Mifsud Bonnici, the National Anti-Doping Coordinator Ignatius Zammit and other members in the NADO.

Investment in Sports

Government is continuing to invest in sports with the aim of adding professionalism in sport and creating a sports Economy

Government is continuing to invest in sports with the aim of adding professionalism in sport and creating a sports Economy

Government is continuing to invest in sports with the aim of adding professionalism in sport and creating a sports Economy that will result in quality jobs. This was stated by the Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, during the launch of the Malta Sports Sponsorship Scheme that took place this morning.

During his speech, Hon. Clyde Puli stated that during the past years, the Government has continuously strived to instill a culture of sport through the introduction of various sports programmes, both in schools and in the community. The government has also invested in our upcoming and elite athletes through KMS schemes and other financial incentives. The government has also invested in facilities of the highest standards. Hon. Puli stated that these sponsorships scheme are another link in the chain of work being carried out by the government with the aim of creating a higher level of sports professionalism, run by professionals educated through international institutions.

The Parliamentary Secretary explained how these scholarship schemes have the aim to promote sports as something that can be taken to a professional level and not only as a hobby. He also stated the importance that a change in mentality needs to take place, so that sports will be seen as something professional, and also as an economic contributor. Hon. Puli continued by saying that through these sponsorship schemes, Government is encouraging the specialisation at a professional level resulting in better human resources to administer and organise sport facilities and events, more professional training of athletes, and also the improving of auxiliary support such as that provided by doctors and physiotherapists.

Hon. Puli stated that these schemes are aimed at both athletes who aim at improving their professional training in their field, and also students who would like to obtain qualifications from recognised institutes is subjects such as Sports Administration and Management;  Sports Psychology and Coaching; Sports Exercise and Health; and Sports Law. Hon. Puli also reminded that throughout the legislature, the Government has given more than 1,500 scholarships. Through these scholarships, numerous amounts of youth have specialised in various areas and now find themselves growing in new employment opportunities.  

This press conference was also addressed by Mario Azzopardi, a Director within the Directorate for Life Long Learning, who spoke about the unwavering support the Government is giving through the creation of opportunities for further studies resulting in our country excelling in various areas. Malta Sport Council’s chairman, Mr Bernard Vassallo explained the way in which these scholarships will function.

The sport scholarships regulations are available through this link, whilst the application form can be downloaded from the following link. Click on this link for the letter of reference.

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IL-GVERN QED IKOMPLI JINVESTI FL-ISPORTIVI BIL-GĦAN LI JZID ILPROFESSJONALITÀ FL-ISPORT U JOĦLOQ EKONOMIJA SPORTIVA

Il-Gvern qiegħed jinvesti fl-isportivi Maltin kemm biex izid il-professjonalità fl-isport u kif ukoll biex joħloq ekonomija sportiva li toħloq impjiegi ta’ kwalità. Hekk sostna l-Onor. Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari għaz-zgħazagħ u Sport, meta dalgħodu nieda skema ta’ boroz ta’ studju fl-isport.

Waqt id-diskors tiegħu l-Onor. Puli saħaq li f’dawn l-aħħar snin il-Gvern investa kemm felaħ biex idaħħal kultura sportiva f’pajjizna bl-intorduzzjoni ta’ diversi programmi sportivi fl-iskejjel u fil-komunità; investa fl-atleti promettenti u elite permezz ta’ skemi tal-KMS u oħrajn fiskali; u investa f’facilitajiet sportivi ta’ kwalità. Huwa qal li dawn il-boroz ta’ studju huma ħolqa oħra minn katina tal-ħidma tal-Gvern biex l-isport jilħaq livell aktar professjonali bi professjonisti imħarrga minn istituzzjonijiet internazzjonali.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari spjiega kif dawn il-boroz ta’ studju għandhom l-għan li jippromwovu aktar l-isport mhux bħala delizzju izda bħala professjoni. Fakkar wkoll kif jeħtieg bidla fil-mentalità biex l-isport isir aktar professjonali b’ekonomija li ddur madwaru. Għalhekk, kompla s-Segretarju Parlamentari, b’dawn il-boroz ta’ studju l-Gvern qed iħeggeg lill-professjonisti biex jispecjalizzaw fl-isport biex titwessa r-rizorsa wmana li tkun tista’ tamministra u torganizza facilitajiet u attivitajiet sportivi kif ukoll jizdiedu l-professjonisti fit-taħrig tal-atleti, u servizzi ancillari mal-isport bħal medici u fizjoterapisti.

L-Onor. Puli tenna li dawn il-boroz ta’ studju se jkunu qed jimmiraw li jilħqu kemm lill-atleti li jixtiequ jieħdu taħrig professjonali biex itejbu l-ħiliet tagħhom f’dixxiplina sportiva partikolari u kif ukoll għall-studenti li jixtiequ jgibu kwalifikazzjoni għolja fl-isport minn istituzzjoni rikonoxxuta bħal Sport Managment and Administration; Sport Psychology and Coaching; Sports Excersice and Health; Sports Medicine; u Sports Law. Waqt id-diskors tiegħu l-Onor. Puli, fakkar kif f’din il-legizlatura il-Gvern qassam aktar minn 1,500 borza ta’ studju sabiex persuni fosthom iz-zgħazagħ jispecjalizzaw f’diversi oqsma u ssussegwentement qed ikunu jistgħu jimirħu f’opportunitajiet godda ta’ xogħol.

Din il-konferenza tal-aħbarijiet kienet indirizzata minn Mario Azzopardi, Direttur fid-Direttorat tal-Lifelong Learning li tkellem dwar l-opportunitajiet li qed jgħati l-Gvern fil-milja tiegħu biex aktar nies ikomplu jistudjaw u pajjizna jeccella f’diversi oqsma. Tkellem wkoll Bernard Vassallo, Chairman tal-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport li ta dettalji dwar dawn il-boroz ta’ studju.

Malta Sports Scholarships Regulations 2012

Malta Sports Scholarships Application Form 2012 

Letter of Reference

9 million Euro investment

The Government working hand in hand with the Malta Football Association will be investing a sum of €9 million in the following two years, with the aim of giving all Maltese football teams the opportunity to have, or at least train in modern, synthetic football pitches.

€9 million invested in better football pitches for our youths

The Government working hand in hand with the Malta Football Association will be investing a sum of €9 million in the following two years, with the aim of giving all Maltese football teams the opportunity to have, or at least train in modern, synthetic football pitches. This was announced during a press conference that took place on Sunday morning at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali and was addressed by Hon. Tonio Fenech, Minister for Finance, the Economy and Investment, Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport and Mr. Noman Darmanin Demajo, President of the MFA.

Apart from these funds, another €2 million will also be allocated through various other schemes such as the Government subsidies on the rent of public lands, subsidies for the use of sports facilities in schools, Anti-Doping schemes, and purchase of equipment and public service workers on loan to MFA.

Minister Tonio Fenech stated his satisfaction that investment in sport is also an investment in the health of the people, providing a better quality of life. “Modern and higher quality facilities will result in better results for our sportspersons. They will result in continuing to encourage youths to participate in activities that lead to a healthier lifestyle, moving them further away from vices, contributing to a stronger social structure for our country”. The minister also reminded that this investment will help in the Sports Tourism sector, a sector that is of high importance to the country that is contributing towards economic growth and new employment opportunities.

Hon. Puli stated his satisfaction that through this investment, all Maltese football clubs are going to have modern facilities in which hundreds of Maltese athletes can train, also over 9000 children that I currently participating in youth nurseries will be benefiting from these facilities. Hon. Puli also reminded that this investment will not only results in a better quality of football in our country, but also will help the health of the people.

MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo stated that two years ago he had promised that MFA would provide spaces for nurseries to train in that are first and foremost are safe. He stated that for that reason has invested and obtained funds through UEFA by participating in the Hat Trick Programme, and partnering with the Government to have all pitches with turf. The MFA president stated that though MFA and the Government are investing in all clubs, it is still the responsibility of all the clubs to balance their books. Mr. Darmanin Demajo stated that on the 31st of March, UEFA president Michel Platini will be visiting Malta to view projects that have been or are being carried out.

Through this agreement, modern facilities with synthetic pitches are now at, or in the process of being completed at: Kalkara FC, Żejtun Corinthians FC, Xgħajra Tornados FC, Għargħur FC, Marsascala FC, Gżira United FC, Dingli Swallows FC, Sirens FC, Valletta FC, u Msida St. Joseph FC. Swieqi FC, Senglea Athletics, Floriana FC, Luqa St. Andrews, Mdina Knights FC, Naxxar Lions, Ħamrun Spartans FC., Birżebbuġa St Peter’s, Santa Venera Lightings FC.

Apart from these Naxxar Lions FC; Mtarfa FC; Żejtun Corinthians; Lija Athletic; Balzan Youths FC; Qrendi FC; Marsascala FC; Gżira United FC; Msida SJ FC; Mġarr United FC; St Georges FC; Qormi FC; Swieqi United FC; Marsa FC; Cottonera United; Birżebbuġa Windmill; Senglea Athletics FC and Hibs Nursery that during the next two years will continue to benefit from using school facilities.

(Photos – DOI – Omar Camilleri)

Football Festival

KMS is officially announcing that Girls on the Move Programme will be organising it's 1st Football Festival for Girls at the Luxol Stadium

KMS is officially announcing that Girls on the Move Programme will be organising it's 1^st Football Festival for Girls at the Luxol Stadium, on the 19^th of March. The invitation is open for local teams, schools and individuals.

This tournament is strictly for girls. The dressing Rooms and the bar will be available  for the duration of this event.

Anyone interested is to contact KMS by 12^th March 2012.  You can fill the form which is found here.

KMS SkolaSport Qormi

Skolasport hija marghufa ghall-attivitajiet sportivi li torganizza matul is-sena u din is-sena kabbret in-numru ta’ centri.

KMS SkolaSport Qormi

Skolasport hija marghufa ghall-attivitajiet sportivi li torganizza matul is-sena u din is-sena regghet kabbret in-numru ta’ centri li topera fihom.

Ic-centru ta Hal Qormi jilqa’ madwar mija u ghoxrin tifel u tifla u kif ukoll adulti li jippartecipaw bis-shih f’attivitajiet fizici.

Ic-centru li qed jintuza jinsab fl-iskola sekondarja tas-subien tal-Kullegg Sant’Injazju gewwa l-Handaq. Fih nistghu nsibu facilitajiet ta’ grawnd sintetiku, track tal-atletika u kif ukoll courts tal-baskitbol u volibol. It-tfal li jattendu jibdew minn eta’ tenera ta’ erba’ snin, fejn dawn jaghmlu diversi attivitajiet li jizviluppaw il-hiliet bazici kollha necessarji bzonnjuzi ghall-tipi ta’ sport differenti fil-futur fosthom: bilanc, koordinazzjoni, ‘space awareness’ u agilita`.

Tfal bejn is-7 u l-10 snin li jiehdu sehem fil-‘Participation Programme’ jipprattikaw diversi dixxiplini sportivi matul is-sena. Sa mill-eta` ta’ 9 snin naghtu l-opportunita` lit-tfal li jispecjalizzaw fi sport tax-xewqa taghhom. Fic-centru tal-Handaq noffru specjalizzazzjoni fuq il-baskitbol, il-‘hip-hop’ (zfin modern) u l-futbol.

Kif wiehed jista’ jinnota ma tonqosx ukoll il-partecipazzjoni mill-adulti. L-ghan tal-grupp ta’ l-adulti hu li jipprattikaw diversi dixxiplini sportivi fejn l-ghan ewlieni taghhom hu li tiehu gost u li zzomm ruhek attiv fizikament.

Ta’ min wiehed jinforma lill-pubbliku li fl-10 ta’ Marzu ser tigi organizzata ‘Open Day’ bit-tema ‘Outdoor Activities’. Dakinhar ser tkun gurnata specjali fejn kullhadd jista’ jigi sessjoni doppja, kif ukoll jistieden hbieb u familjari sabiex nintroducuhom ghall-attivitajiet ta’ Skolasport.

Kulhadd jista’ jippartecipa f’dawn il-programmi u jekk int imhajjar tibda, tista’ tinzel kull nhar ta’ Sibt fl-iskola sekondarja tas-subien tal-Kullegg Sant’Injazju gewwa Hal Qormi bejn id-09:00 u l-10:15 jew bejn l-10:30 u 11:45 fejn tista’ tiltaqa’ mal-Head Coach Nigel Farrugia u t-tim professjonali ta’ coaches, li ha jkunu hemm lesti biex jghinuk taghzel l-attivita` fizika li tixtieq ghalik u ghal-uliedek.

Facilitajiet Sportivi

Il-Gvern qed jahdem biex ikompli jtejjeb il-facilitajiet sportivi kollha f'pajjizna

IL-GVERN QED JAĦDEM BIEX IKOMPLI JTEJJEB IL-FACILITAJIET SPORTIVI KOLLHA F’PAJJIZNA

Il-klabbs tal-bocci llum jamministraw 35 propjetà pubblika li tlaħħaq il-valur ta’ aktar minn €3 miljun u l-Gvern qiegħed jassisti lil dawn il-klabbs biex izommu l-facilitajiet tagħhom fi stat tajjeb. Dan hu parti mill-programm tal-Gvern biex jgħolli l-livell tal-facilitajiet sportivi ta’ kull dixxiplina sportiva f’pajjizna.

Dan qalu l-Onor Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari għaz-zgħazagħ u Sport meta dalgħodu zar il-pitch tal-bocci ta’ Hamrun Liberty S.C, wieħed mill-11 il-klabb tal-bocci li qed jibbenfikaw minn assistenza mill-Gvern. Din l-assistenza qed isseħħ permezz ta’ fondi mill-Kunsill Malti għall-Isport (KMS) u permezz ta’ ħaddiema assenjati mill-Korporazzjoni għax-Xogħol u t-Taħrig taħt il-Community Work Scheme.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari tenna li l-mira tal-Gvern hija li jsir xogħol ta’ titjib fil-35 pitch tal-bocci madwar Malta.

Waqt id-diskors tiegħu l-Onor Puli sostna li fl-aħħar xhur il-Gvern assenja ħaddiema mill-Community Work Scheme kif ukoll ħareg flus mill-KMS biex qed isiru xogħolijiet ta’ titjib fuq 11-il pitch tal-bocci, li huma Bugibba Bocci Club; Floriana Bocci Club; Ħal Luqa Bocci Club; Ħal Qormi San Gorg; Ħal Qormi San Bastjan; Paola Shriber; Poala Tarxien Bocci Club; Valletta Marsamxetto; Valletta St Paul’s; u Zabbar Bocci Club. Hu zied li f’dawn il-11-il pitch qed isir xogħol ta’ kisi; tibjid u mmodernizzar ieħor.

Fix-xhur li gejjin se jkun qed isir xogħol ukoll fuq ħames pitches oħra li huma Birgu Bocci Club; B’Kara Bocci Club; Gzira Bocci Club; Pietà Bocci Club u San Pawl. Il-pjan finali huwa li jsir titjib fil-35 pitch kollha tal-bocci. Sadanittant li l-KMS qed jassisti li Federazzjoni Klabbs tal-Bocci biex tibni website gdida.

Prezenti għal din il-konferenza tal-aħbarijiet kien hemm il-vici Chairman tal-Kunsill Malti għall-Isport, Bertie Muscat, kif ukoll il-President tal-Federazzjoni Klabbs tal-Bocci, Giovanni Fabri li faħħar l-impenn tal-Gvern favur dan l-isport.

KMS SkolaSport Mosta

Centru gdid fil-Mosta fejn fih jilqa’ madwar mija u hamsin tifel u tifla

KMS SkolaSport Mosta

Skolasport hija marghufa ghall-attivitajiet sportivi li torganizza matul is-sena u din is-sena regghet kabbret in-numru ta’ centri li topera fihom. Wiehed minnhom hu ic-centru l-gdid tal-Mosta fejn fih jilqa’ madwar mija u hamsin tifel u tifla, u madwar erbghin adult fejn dawn jippartecipaw bis-shih f’attivitajiet fizici.

Ic-centru li qed jintuza jinsab fl-iskola l-gdida sekondarja subien ta’ Maria Regina. Fih nistghu nsibu facilitajiet ta’ grawnd u track ta’ l-atletika sintetika u courts tal-baskitbol u volibol. It-tfal li jattendu fih jibdew minn eta’ tenera ta’ erba snin fejn dawn jaghmlu diversi attivitajiet ta’ ko-ordinazzjoni, ‘space awareness’ u agilita. Tfal li jiehdu sehem fil-‘Participation Programme’ ta’ bejn 7 u 10 snin jipprattikaw diversi dixxiplini sportivi matul is-sena, halli meta jghalqu l-eta ta’ 11-il sena jkunu jistghu jaghzlu l-isport favorit taghhom. Fic-centru tal-Mosta, ghadna programmi ta’ sports ghal tfal il fuq minn 11-il sena fejn dawn jipprattikaw l-isport li jhobbu, u bhalissa qed noffru l-baskitbol, handball, futbol u l-atletika.

Kif wiehed jista’ jinnota ma tonqosx ukoll il-partecipazzjoni mill-adulti. L-ghan tal-grupp ta’ l-adulti hu li jippratikaw diversi dixxiplini sportivi fejn l-ghan ewlieni taghhom hu li tiehu gost u li zzomm ruhek attiv fizikament. Kulhadd jista’ jippartecipa f’dawn il-programmi u jekk int imhajjar tibda, tista’ tinzel nhar ta’ Sibt bejn 09:00 u 12:00 fejn tista’ tintaqa mal-Head Coach Ruben Baldacchino u t-tim professjonali ta’ coaches, li ha jkunu hemm lesti biex jghinuk taghzel l-attivita fizika li tixtieq, tieghek u ta’ wliedek.

Assistenza Finanzjarja

Titqassam l-assistenza finanzjarja annwali lill-għaqdiet sportivi u jitħabbar il-pjan ta’ ħidma għall-isport għall-2012

Aktar minn 8 miljun ewro f’assistenza lill-għaqiet sportivi kommessi għal din is-sena.

Titqassam l-assistenza finanzjarja annwali lill-għaqdiet sportivi u jitħabbar il-pjan ta’ ħidma għall-isport għall-2012

L-Onor Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari għaż-Żgħażagħ u Sport dalgħodu qassam l-assistenza finanzjarja annwali lill-għaqdiet sportivi. Din l-assistenza tqassmet waqt business breakfast imtella’ mill-Kunsill Malti għall-Isport fil-Kumpless Sportiv tal-Kottonera fil-preżenza tal-għaqdiet sportivi Nazzjonali.

Waqt id-diskors tiegħu l-Onor Puli sostna li filwaqt li s-sena li għaddiet l-għajnuna mogħtija lill-għaqdiet sportivi li kienet tammonta għal €5.5miljun, din is-sena l-Gvern qiegħed jikkommetti s-somma rekord ta’ €8 miljun. Huwa tenna li din l-għajnuna tingħata ta’ kull sena bil-għan li għaqdiet sportivi jkunu jistgħu iwettqu l-ħidma tagħhom matul is-sena filwaqt jgħinu lill-Gvern fil-missjoni tiegħu ta’ tixtil ta’ kultura sportiva.

Qabel din il-preżentazzjoni l-Onor Puli ippreżenta l-ħidma tal-Gvern għal matul l-2011 u l-pjan ta’ ħidma għall-2012.

Huwa tenna li s-sena 2011 kienet ikkaratterizzata minn għadd ta’ suċċessi sportivi mill-atleti tagħna kif wkoll bil-ħidma u inizjattivi tal-Gvern fil-qasam sportiv. Fejn matul l-2011 il-Gvern:

• Lesta l-Kumpless Sportiv ta’ Ħal Kirkop b’investiment ta’ €3.5 miljun

• Lesta aktar grawnds tal-futbol bi sħab mall-MFA, mill-2008 se jkunu tlestew total ta’ 33 grawnd

• Għaddha aktar art pubblika lill-għaqdiet sportivi li biex issa għandna 111-il għaqda minn 124 biċċa art b’valur ta’ 46 miljun ewro

• Għaddha madwar €5.5 miljun f’assistenza lill-għaqdiet sportivi

• Nieda l-Linji Gwida għall-Protezzjoni tat-Tfal fil-Isport

• Waqqaf l-Aġenzija Nazzjonali ta’ kontra d-doping

• Saħħaħ l-iSport Promotion Unit (SPU) b’aktar għalliema, aktar kowċis u aktar programmi biex jintlaħqu aktar tfal fl-iskejjel

• SkolaSport qed niddeċnetralizzawha mill-Marsa u nferxuha f’ċentri ġodda bil-għan li l-programm ikun aktar aċċessibbli fil-komunita’. Din is-sena dan il-programm kellu l-aqwa partecipazzjoni fl-aħħar 10 snin.

• Il-programmi l-oħra tal-isport tal-KMS kellhom 9,000 parteċipant

• Waqqaf unit fl-Armata, ta’ Atleti li xogħolhom jitħarrġu u jikkompetu għal pajjiżna

• Nieda l-iskema 20/20 Sports Training Scheme għall-atleti li jaħdmu fis-settur privat billi qed inħalsuhom talli jnaqqsu mill-ħin tax-xogħol biex jitħarrġu.

• Estenda l-iskema tal-iSports Leave għall-ħaddiema tas-settur pubbliku ġiet estiża wkoll għall-avvenimenti internazzjonali li jkunu qed jiġu organizzati f’Malta.

Hu qal li għas-sena 2012 il-Gvern se jissokta bil-ħidma tagħna tant li:

• Qed nikkommettu tminn miljun ewro f’assistenza lill-g]aqdiet sportivi g]all-2012

• Qed isaħħaħ l-iskema biex jin`entiva l-ħolqien ta’ niċċa ta’ Turiżmu Sportiv, minn €100,000 fl-2009 għal allokazzjoni ta’ €400,000 fl-2012

• Se jiftaħ skola ġdida tal-isport, biex uliedna jirnexxu fl-isport ukoll

• Se jiftaħ tlett Outdoor Fitness Centres oħra f’Ħ’Attard, f’Ħal Qormi u l-Mellieħa

• Se jniedi boroż ta’ studju fil-qasam sportiv

• Se jalloka €350,000 biex tiġi żviluppata korsa għat-taħriġ u l-kompetizzjonijiet tal-karting, mini moto, quad bikes, motards, scooters, kif ukoll għal tuning ta’ vetturi li jipparteċipaw fil-hill climb.

• Se jibni żewġ basketball training courts oħra

• Se jibni aktar grawnds bit-turf sintetiku

• Se jibni pixxina f’Birżebbugia u oħra f’Għawdex

• Se jiedi kodiċi ta’ etika għall-sportivi

• Se jniedi coaching policy għall-konsultazzjoni

Facility Manager

The Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport will be recruiting Full Time Facility Manager to be part of our team.

Recruitment of Full Time Facility Manager 1 - ETC Permit No. 8/2012 - MPO Permit No. MPO/84/2005/08

The Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport will be recruiting Full Time Facility Manager to be part of our team.

Qualifications: Applicants must preferably be in possession of first degree of education in Sport Management & Administration or equivalent recognised professional qualification.

Experience: Previous sports experience would be an asset.

Salary: Starting from €19,085 up to €22,272

Benefits: Tel/mobile allowance up to €465.87p.a.

Applications, including copies of certificates, are to be addressed to Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, Cottonera Sports Complex, Cottoner Avenue, Cospicua BML 9020.

Closing date for submission of applications is Wednesday 2nd February 2012.

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Recruitment of Full Time Facility Manager II - ETC Permit No. 8/2012 - MPO Permit No. MPO/84/2005/07

The Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport will be recruiting Full Time Facility Manager II to be part of our team.

Qualifications: Applicants must preferably be in possession of a degree at MQF level 6 related to facility management or sport management or comparable professional qualifications as recognised by the MQRIC.

Experience: Applicants must have at least 3 years work experience in management and supervisory enivironment.

Salary: Starting from €22,114 to €25,958

Benefits: up to 15% performance bonus

Applications, including copies of certificates, are to be addressed to Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, Cottonera Sports Complex, Cottoner Avenue, Cospicua BML 9020.

Closing date for submission of applications is Wednesday 2nd February 2012.

Artisport

Artisport at the Verdala Palace in Buskett

Artisport at the Verdala Palace in Buskett

This morning may have been a dreary day for some but not for the children of Zabbar A Primary School, who spent the morning taking part in the KMS Artisport Activity. Accepting without hesitation an invitation from H.E. The President of Malta Dr. George Abela to visit the magnificent palace in Buskett, coaches and teachers from the Sport Promotion Unit, under the responsibility of Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, organized an Artisport activity for 150 children in Yr 3.

The morning included traditional Maltese games like Xixu, Noli, Skipping Rope, Bocci and Kantunieri and a guided tour around the Verdala Palace. Many may think that these games are of the past, but today they are still valid as they offer a good challenge and a good amount of skills and agility.

The children all had rosy cheeks with the running and jumping in the safe and open space of the Verdala gardens, cracking the silence and stillness of the trees with their laughter.

If any Head of School wishes to give their school a similar experience do not hesitate to contact KMS on tel: 21660658 or email tanya.zahra@sportmalta.org.mt

Final Placing

Sport Malta Award - Final Placing

SportMalta Awards L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali

Full Results for the SportMalta Award

Sport Journalists’ Vote – 40% of the final vote

Public Vote – 20% of the final vote

National Association’s Real Time Voting– 40% of the final vote

Overall Aggregate SportMalta Award Final Result

Photo Album

SportsMalta Awards Photo Album

Results

Final results of the SportMalta Awards - L-Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali

 William Chetcuti got the reward he deserved for his impressive feats of 2011 yesterday when he was named Sportsman of the Year for the eighth time in his career.

The announcement was made during a well-organised SportMalta Awards night at the MFCC during which track sprinter Diane Borg was named as Sportswoman of the Year after topping a poll by journalists to finish ahead of previous year winner Danica Bonello Spiteri, the triathlon champion.

Presentations were held at a packed hall in Ta’ Qali where a show, which lasted over two hours, was produced by joint-organisers, the Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sport and Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, and transmitted live on TVM.

Among an impressive list of distinguished guests, the spotlight mostly was on Antonio Cabrini, the former Italy player who helped the Azzurri win the 1982 World Cup.

The former Juventus wing-back was invited on stage to name the winner of the prestigious Sport Malta Award, contested by all 10 finalists, following a special KMS vote that also included the public.

The honour went to Bonello Spiteri but she is currently abroad and the trophy was collected by her husband Etienne Bonello, an elite cyclist in the national team.

Chetcuti’s success in the Sportsman of the Year award came as no surprise as the double trap shooter had an incredible 2011 that had an automatic berth to the 2012 London Games featuring prominently in his curriculum. That came after a gold medal at a World Cup shoot in Beijing, China.

Waterpolo player Steve Camilleri, currently on the books of Italian club Bogliasco, was second and squash no.1 Brad Hindle Deguara, winner of two gold medals in the Liechtenstein GSSE, third.

Borg was another clear-cut winner in her category as the winner of two gold and a silver medal in Liechtenstein, outpointed the other four contenders in the poll.

Bonello Spiteri this time had to settle for the runner-up spot ahead of tenpin bowler Sue Abela.

The Malta Shooting Sport Federation had good reason to celebrate last night as the upcoming Nathan Lee Xuereb got the John Debattista trophy in the U-17 category.

Xuereb, who also shoots in double trap, finished just ahead of middle distance runner Nicole Gatt with squash player Colette Sultana in third place.

The rugby national team won the Team of the Year award. Damien Neill’s men, who finished 2011 ranked no.42 in the world, topped the list ahead of the men’s and women’s squash teams in that order.

Neill, however, was runner-up in Official of the Year contest as the honour went to Malta Tenpin Bowling Association president Julian Pace Bonello. Shooting coach Jimmy Bugeja placed third.

Meanwhile, the Malta Judo Federation got a recognition for their successful hosting of the European Judo Championships – Cadets last year while a similar recognition went to the Malta Football Association for their significant contribution to Sports Tourism in 2011.

In an emotional moment late in the show, Pippo Psaila, chairman of the organising committee, presented a special memento to Malta’s top long distance runner Carol Walsh in memory of her late husband John, who passed away last September.

John Walsh, for several years an athletics coach, contributed significantly to raise the popularity of the Malta Marathon and was also the mastermind behind the Walk-athon which lured several hundreds of participants in the past two years.

The Ġħaqda Ġurnalisti Sport took the opportunity yesterday to honour one of the organisation’s most veteran members, Manuel Gauci, who retired last year.

There were also special awards for disabled athletes Mark Zammit Cutajar, Steve Fenech and Mandy Ghio.

Awards list

SportMalta Award

Danika Bonello Spiteri

Sportsman of the Year

Willian Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Diane. Borg

Team of the Year

Rugby (men)

Official of the Year

Julian Pace Bonello

U-17 Award

Nathan Lee Xuereb

Local Councils Award

Qormi

Disabled Athletes

Steve. Fenech & Mandy. Ghio, Mark Zammit Cutajar

Special Awards

Malta Football Association, St Margherita College; Nathan Farrugia; Keith Bartolo; Marcon Bezzina; Lifecycle; Special Olympics; Manuel Gauci; John Walsh; Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, Thomas Cremona.

Massive Sport Celebration

A massive Mega Sports Event was organised as a prelude for the much awaited SportMalta Awards.

A massive celebration of sport at the Cottonera Sports Complex

A massive Mega Sports Event was organised, for the second consecutive year, within the Cottonera Sports Complex run by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport. This Mega Event was a prelude for the much awaited SportMalta Awards L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali to be held this Saturday and which will be screened live on the National TV Station, TVM, at 8.30pm.

The Sports Complex was packed with over 2,800 students from various schools from all around the island together with the national athletes who are finalists in next Saturday’s awards night. The main aim of the Mega Event was to create more awareness for the SportMalta Awards L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali, increase the appreciation towards the hard work consistently accomplished by the local athletes as well as encourage more children towards sport and regular physical activity.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, the Honourable Clyde Puli, was also present and met with the students and the nominated athletes.

The activity included the direct participation of students with dance performances from students from the Marsascala and Żabbar schools, pop singing from the St. Paul’s Bay School choir, a spectacular BMX show, modern dance from the Dancel Dance Company, hip-hop dance from the Southville Dancers as well as a technical display of basketball skills from male and female foreign professional basketball players currently playing in the top local leagues.

The winner of the quiz, related with the SportMalta Awards L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali and which was distributed around the local schools in the last days, was drawn up at the end of the Mega Event with the prize being a computer offered by Scan.

The Mega Event, together with the roadshows that are being organised along this week in over 60 local schools, lead to the final night of the SportMalta Awards L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali where, as announced earlier, the special foreign guest is going to be the ex-Italy and Juventus full back, winner of the 1982 World Cup, Antonio Cabrini.

Courses in Coaching

Foundations in Coaching Full Course and Foundations in Coaching Short Courses 2012

Foundations in Coaching Full Course and Foundations in Coaching Short Courses 2012

The Institute for Physical Education and Sport, in collaboration with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, are once again launching the Foundations in Coaching Full Course and The Foundations in Coaching Short Courses. These are to be held between February and June 2012 at the Institute, while some of the lectures will be delivered online.

Applications for the full course are available online, whilst those for the short courses are available through the Institute for PE and Sport.

Click here for the Foundations in Coaching course programme [PDF].

Deadline for Applications: Friday, 13th January 2012.

For all information visit www.um.edu.mt/ipes

Please note that all those interested in getting further information are asked to contact Mr. Ivan Riolo on ivan.riolo@um.edu.mt; 2340 2031 or Ms. Sacha Dimech on ipes@um.edu.mt; 2340 3117

SportMalta Awards 2012

Esebizzjoni ta’ fotografija Sportiva u tqassim ta’ ċertifikati lill-Isportivi Nazzjonali.

SportMalta Awards 2012 – Esebizzjoni ta’ fotografija Sportiva u tqassim ta’ ċertifikati lill-Isportivi Nazzjonali.

L-Onor Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari għaż-Żgħażagħ u Sport aktar kmieni llum nieda esebizzjoni ta’ fotografija sportiva li qed titella’ b’rabta mal-iSportMalta Awards fil-Kumpless Sportiv tal-Kottonera. Fl-istess attività l-Onor Puli taċ-ċertifikati lill-finalists tal-Edizzjoni ta’ din is-sena ta’ SportMalta Awards.

Waqt id-diskors tiegħu l-Onor Puli sostna li dawn l-attivatijiet flimkien mal-iSportMalta Awards jgħinu fil-missjoni tal-Gvern li tkompli tixxettel il-kultura sportiva filwaqt li fakkar lill-finalisti li huma r-role models tat-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ fis-soċjetà

F’din l-attività li ttellet mil-kumitat organizzattiv tal-iSportMalta Awards – Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali flimkien mal-Malta Institute for Professional Photography (MIPP) hemm esebiti 40 ritratt sportivi ta’diversi dixxiplini fosthom futbal, rugby, għawm u volleyball, minn 13-il-fotografu.

Dawn il-fotografi li qed jesebixxu r-ritratti tagħhom huma Martin Agius, Trevor Sollars, Domenic Aquilina, Darrin Zammit Lupi, James Galea, Suzanne Muscat, Therese Debono, James Galea, Alan Falzon, Mike Gatt, Anthony Cilia, Ray Muscat u Kevin Casha.

Waqt din l-attività l-Onor Puli qassam iċ-ċertifikati lill-28 finalist ta’ SportMalta Awards - Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali.

SportMalta Awards se jixxandru live fuq PBS nhar is-Sibt 21 ta’Jannar 2012.

Photos – DOI – Jeremy Wonnacott

Photography Exhibition

Organized by the Kunsill Malti Ghall-iSPorts in collaboration with the Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP)

SPORT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Organized by the SportMalta Award Organisation Committee in collaboration with the Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP)

This photography exhibition aims at acknowledging the rising standard and interest in Sport Photography in Malta. It is a collection of the varied disciplines that are most popularly practised on the island – from waterpolo to athletics to rugby and to the inevitable football scene.

Thirteen photographers are participating in this exhibition, and the focus was on not only documenting sport, but also trying to get that different angle, that original viewpoint, but most of all, that fleeting moment that manages so admirably to capture the peak of the action.

The photographers are namely Martin Agius, Trevor Sollars, Domenic Aquilina, Darrin Zammit Lupi, James Galea, Suzanne Muscat, Therese Debono, James Galea, Alan Falzon, Mike Gatt, Anthony Cilia, Ray Muscat and Kevin Casha (who is the exhibition curator).

All photographers are members of the MIPP. 

This exhibition was organized by the SportMalta Award Organisation Committee in collaboration with the Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP). It forms part of the events in connection with the SPORT MALTA AWARDS for this year.

THE MALTA INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY – A BRIEF HISTORY:

The Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP) officially came into being during a meeting held on the 2nd of October 1996. This first meeting, open to all those with an interest in Professional Photography, was held at the Grosvenor Hotel, and was the outcome of a group of individuals who had long been discussing ways to better the standard, respect and recognition of the Maltese Photographer.

The idea to form the MIPP was first discussed and agreed upon by Kevin Casha and Colin Pilling on the 16th of July 1996 at the Coach and Horses in Birkirkara. A subsequent meeting, on the 1st of August, saw Konrad Agius joining the first two. Further meetings where held with several interested persons contributing. These where namely Walter Barbara, Joe P. Borg, Martin Abela, Anthony Portelli, and Charles Calleja.

After these initial, informal meetings, arrangements where made to keep meeting at the Grosvenor Hotel in Attard. In fact, an interim Committee was established and the first official MIPP Minutes started being recorded on the 10th of September 1996.

This Interim Committee consisted of Kevin Casha, Konrad Agius, Colin Pilling, Anthony Portelli, and Charles Calleja. These preparatory interim meetings paved the way towards the first MIPP General Meeting on the 29th of April 1997, again at the Grosvenor Hotel. There, the first official Committee was voted in and was made up of Kevin Casha, Hon. Chairman, Colin Pilling, Hon. PRO; Konrad Agius, Hon. Secretary, Charles Calleja, Hon. Treasurer, Anthony Portelli as member and Joe Farrugia as representative for the Student section.

That day has now become history and from then on, the MIPP has grown from strength to strength, becoming an authoritative voice for the local professional photographic community as well as being the official Government-recognized body where legislation and regulation of the local Photographic Industry is concerned.

The Institute has been run with a view of upgrading and regulating the Industry, getting Photographers to network with each other as well as teaching and formulating guidelines on various important issues that the working Photographer faces. It has also its Code of Ethics as well as a yearly revisable Statute, voted in by its members at an Annual General Meeting usually held in February. A President and six Committee Members run it on democratic lines. These all offer their services voluntarily.

The MIPP has also managed to expand beyond the shores of Malta by establishing close ties with the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and the Master Photographer’s Association of Great Britain. This has helped the local photographic community to widen its horizons and streamline its operations. In fact, one of the highlights of the MIPP’s brief, but important history, is the International Convention held in Rabat in 2001 where no less than five top MPA officials came over to help sharpen the skills of the MIPP members. Another first for the MIPP was “PHOTOFEST – 2000” held at the Malta International Trade Fair. This was the first purely Photographic Fair that has ever been organized locally, with the MIPP’s main goals being to generate further interest and more business in local Photography. The huge interest shown by the public really made this a memorable event. One must not forget the first real Seminar put up by the MIPP, with the help of Attard & Co; way back in March l997. This had helped to get the photographers together and add to the MIPP ranks. Another event held in 1998, the Photo Training Overseas, also helped to enhance the Institute’s standing. This was made possible again by the close ties the MIPP has with UK Photographic Associations. This collaboration with some of the foremost British Photographic Organizations has proved so fruitful that local MIPP members are now being invited to lecture and exhibit abroad.

The MIPP also forms part of the FEP, or Federation of European Photographers, an organization that groups together all the top European Photographic Associations in an effort to work more closely and uniformly together.

The Institute has also been instrumental in lobbying the Government to amend the Copyright laws as well as to get more recognition for the local professional Photographer.

The MIPP believes that the issuing of an official warrant to work in Photography is an essential step towards better regularizing the Industry and is at present conducting talks with official Authorities to try and get this implemented.

The setting up of the MIPP’s own system of “Qualifications” has enabled members to conditionally submit a panel of their works with the possibility of gaining these distinctions. These Qualifications are considered as benchmarks to high photographic capabilities. Members can opt to apply for three different categories: The LMIPP, the AMIPP and the FMIPP. In 2006, through the insistence and hard work of the MIPP, the SWPP, the UK’s largest photography association, has recognized the seriousness and standard of these levels and has granted their reciprocal qualification – another very important and prestigious milestone for local photography.

The MIPP’s yearly International Seminars are now much awaited by local Photographers and have now brought many top level Photographers to our islands to lecture, demonstrate and collaborate with MIPP photographers.

In this comparatively short period, the MIPP has come a long way, continuously evolving in the process, but its main objective still remains the “Furtherance of the local Professional Photographic Industry in all its aspects.”

Kevin Casha FMIPP FSWPP AMPS AMPA

President Malta Institute of Professional Photography

Skolasport 2nd Term

The KMS Skolasport 2nd Term

The KMS Skolasport 2nd Term Programme will start Saturday 7 January 2012. Any newcomers are most welcome. So all those who would like to apply and join us now the fee charges will be pro-rata.

SportMalta Awards

SportMalta Awards L-Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali

SportMalta Awards L-Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali The next edition of the SportMalta Awards L-Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali, an event organised jointly by Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) and Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sports (GħĠS) will be held on the 21st of January 2012 at the Malta Fair and Convention Centre (MFCC) Ta Qali. This was announced in a press conference and addressed by the Chairman of the Event Organizing Committee, Mr Pippo Psaila as well as the KMS Chairman, Mr. Bernard Vassallo and the GhGS President, Mr. Charles Camenzuli. Several athletes, teams and officials who helped transform 2011 into a remarkable year for Maltese sport are in the running for the 2011 SportMalta Awards L- Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali.

Although the climax of this event will be reached with the awards ceremony on Januray 21 at the MFCC, the build-up to the big night will feature several initiatives aimed at promoting sports participation and awareness for this contest among school children including a national quiz, a roadshow targetting a total of 60 schools and a Mega Event scheduled on 18th January at the Cottonera Sports Complex. The Cottonera Sports Complex will also host an exhibition of 60 sports photos over the coming weeks. This exhibition will then be transferred to the MFCC in the week prior to the main event. A commission from the GħĠS will select the final five contenders in the main categories (sports-man, sportswoman, official, team and young athlete) and the winners will be decided by a vote involving the sportswriters association. The finalists in the sportsman and sportswoman of the year categories will be in contention for the special SportMalta Award.

The voting format for this SportMalta Award, won by table football player Massimo Cremona last year, will be as follows: · 40% of the final outcome will be based on the preferences of the GħĠS members;· 40% from the real-time voting by the presidents of the various national associations; and · 20 per cent from a public vote (SMS voting or by visiting the website www.sportmaltaawards.org.mt). Semi-finalists Sportsman of the year

The Semi Finalists in this category are:· Clayton Attard (Pool), Etienne Barbara (Football), Keith Bartolo (Open Sea), Etienne Bonello (Cycling/ Mountain Bikes), Roderick Briffa (Football - Valletta), Christopher Camilleri (Canoeing), Steve Camilleri (Water Polo), William Chetcuti (Shooting), Massimo Cremon (T'Football), Brad Hindle Deguara (Squash), Simon Giordimaina (Motor Cycling), Joseph Mifsud (Table Football), Kevin Arthur Moore (Athletics), Jeremy Saywell (Judo), Fabrio Spiteri (Triathlon) Sportswoman of the year

The Semi Finalists in this category are:· Sue Abela (Bowling), Eleonor Bezzina (Shooting), Danica Bonello Spiteri (Triathlon), Diane Borg (Athletics), Theresa Bronson (Squash), Joanna Camilleri (Judo), Rebecca Camilleri (Athletics), Roberta Cutajar (Snooker), Diane Desira (Squash), Davina Mangion (Swimming), Jessica Pace (Table Tennis) Team award

The Semi Finalists in this category are:· Artie Rolex Middle Sea Race· Football National Team Under 21, Joe Grech/Simon Zammit (Snooker), Malta National Team Under 21 Pool, National Team of Gymnastics, Rugby National Team, Sebastian Ripard/ Benji Borg, Squash Ladies National Team, Squash Men's National Team, Waterpolo National Team, 4 x 100 metres Women· 4 x 400 metres Women Official of the year

The Semi Finalists in this category are:· George Bonello de Puis ( Commodore Royal Malta Yacht Club), Jimmy Bugeja (shooting), Dione Buhagiar (Archery), Nello Calleja (Volley Ball), Terry Camilleri (Referee Snooker), Jesmond Caruana (W'Lifting), Neil Damian (Rugby Coach), Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia (Football Under 21), Alan Grima (Handball), Julian Pace Bonello (Bowling) Youth award

The Semi Finalists in this category are:· Andre Agius (Swimming), Kirsty Caruana (Gymnastics), Gian Luca Dingli (Karting), Nicole Gatt (W'Lifting, Athletics), Neil Muscat (Swimming), Nicola Muscat (Swimming), Rodmar Pulis (W'lifting), Colette Sultana (Squash), Nathan Lee Xuereb (Shooting) Event of the year

The Semi Finalists in this category are:· European Judo Championships for Cadets, IFBB Bodybuilding Mediterranean Champion Ship, Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Skola tal-Isport

Studenti promettenti li jridu jirnexxu u jagħmlu karriera fl-isports se jkunu jistgħu jitħarrġu fi skola sekondarja speċjalizzata

SKOLA NAZZJONALI TAL-ISPORT ... BIEX ULIEDNA JIRNEXXU FL-ISPORT UKOLL 

Mis-sena skolastika li jmiss, studenti promettenti li jridu jirnexxu u jagħmlu karriera fl-isports se jkunu jistgħu jitħarrġu fi skola sekondarja speċjalizzata li se tkun ċentru ta’ eċċellenza għall-attivita’ sportiva. Din l-iskola se tkun qed tiftaħ opportunità oħra fejn iz-zgħazagħ tagħna jistgħu jsegwu l-ambizzjonijiet tagħhom u jirnexxu. Dan qalu l-Onor Clyde Puli meta dalgħodu ta d-dettalji dwar l-iSkola Nazzjonali tal-iSport li giet imħabbra fil-baġit għas-sena 2012.

L-Onor Puli qal li din l-iskola se tkun qed tħarreġ lill-studenti atleti promettenti fl-izvilupp sportiv tagħhom filwaqt li toffrilhom edukazzjoni akkademika ta’ kwalità għolja li tippermetti lill-istudenti jkomplu bl-edukazzjoni post-sekondarja tagħhom. B’dan il-mod l-istudenti jibqalhom l-opportunità li jsegwu karrieri differenti jekk huma jkunu jixtiequ. Fl-iskola tal-isport l-istudenti se jibqa’ jkollhom il-lezzjonijiet obbligatorji fil-kurrikulu bħat-tfal l-oħra izda mal-Matematika, Ingliz, Malti u suġġetti akkademici oħra se jkollhom ħin dedikat speeifikament għall-isport. Il-ħinijiet tal-lezzjonijiet se jkunu flessibbli bizzejjed biex jakkomodaw l-impenji ta’ kompetizzjonijiet internazzjonali u t-taħriġ sportiv li se jkun qed isir ukoll waqt il-ħin tal-iskola.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari qal li din l-iskola filwaqt li se jkollha l-amministrazzjoni u l-identità tagħha se tkun qed topera mill-Kulleġġ San Benedittu biswit il-Kumpless Sportiv ta' Ħal Kirkop biex taqsam ir-rizorsi sportivi u edukattivi eccellenti diġà ezistenti. B’hekk l-iskola Nazzjonali tal-iSport ikollha aċċess għal-laboratorji tal-ICT, librerija u tagħmir ieħor standard li jinstab fi skejjel mainstream oħra.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari qal li din l-iskola se tkun qed titwaqqaf wara li ħatar esperti biex janalizzaw l-aqwa prattiċi ta’ skejjel simili f'pajjizi barranin bħall-Italja, Franza, l-Ġermanja, l-Awstralja u l-Kanada fost l-oħrajn. L-istudenti li se jkunu eliġibbli jistudjaw u jitħarrġu f’din l-iskola sekondarja huma subien u bniet ta’ bejn il-11 u l-15-il sena li jeċċellaw f’dixxiplini sportivi differenti. L-istudenti tal-iskola se jkunu magħzula mill-bord tal-iskola li se jkun qed janalizza l-kredenzjali u l-potenzjal sportiv tagħhom flimkien mal-Assoċjazzjonijiet Sportivi nfushom.

Clyde Puli fakkar li din hija ħolqa minn katina ta’ inizjattivi mill-Gvern sabiex iħarreġ atleti Nazzjonali li jkomplu jagħmluna kburin li aħna Maltin. L-iskola Nazzjonali tal-isport se tkun qed tizviluppa t-talent sportiv sa minn età bikrija u se tkun qed tinagħqad ma’ numru ta’ inizjattivi oħra, ħafna minnhom imnedija f’din il-legizlatura, li jkomplu jassistu lill-atleti elite waqt l-izvilupp tal-karriera tagħhom. Fost dawn l-iskemi u inizjattivi nsibu: il-Unit Sportiva ġdida mwaqqfa mill-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta, 20/20 Sports Training Scheme għall-ħaddiema tas-Settur Pubbliku, 20/20 Sports Training Scheme għall-ħaddiema fis-Settur Privat, Sports Competition Leave għal ħaddiema tas-Settur Pubbliku, KMS Youth Development Scheme, Assistenza lil Kumitat Olimpiku Malti u lill-għaqdiet sportivi kif ukoll scholarships ta’ speċjalizzazzjoni fl-isport.

KMS Sport Academy

The all new KMS Sport Academy which include Swimming, Athletics and Horse Racing.

The all new KMS Sport Academy will serve as a centre of sporting excellence, making use of the KMS facilities, qualified staff and international links to provide a unique experience of sport and to provide a platform for those who aim to achieve high level success in the competitive arena of sports.

The all new KMS Academy of Sport includes the:

KMS Swimming Academy

KMS Athletics Academy

KMS Horse Racing Academy

Girls on the Move

Girls on the Move Sports Programme

Girls express yourself and escape from the normal routine by joining our active programme designed to give you the opportunity of trying out a variety of sports.

WHY?

SPORT brings you new friends, helps you stand out from the rest, it challenges you and helps you become disciplined, builds your confidence and helps you learn how to manage your time and your body.  SPORT also gives you a chance to get away from it all...homeworks, stress, parents...by doing something for YOU – something active and fun... SPORT is all about learning to achieve and accomplish something for yourself! So no more excuses get your muscles working – you and your friends have a variety of sports to choose from.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

The real and potential benefits that physical activity and sport have to offer are both physical and mental. Physical Exercise is good for your body, mind and spirit and offers extra benefits in addition to having fun and getting fit. These include apart from the obvious health benefits reducing the chance of getting breast cancer and developing brittle bone but also:

• Develops your motor skills
• Improves your fitness, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance
• Helps you control your weight
• Helps you to gain more confidence and higher self-esteem
• Improves your idea of your body image
• Helps you concentrate better, improves your memory and stimulates more academic success
• Helps your social and emotional growth – playing in a team, experiencing winning and losing as a team
• Develops your leadership skills
• Reduces stress, anxiety and feelings of depression and loneliness
• Reduces the risk of developing heart diseases and diabetes among other diseases

WHAT ARE WE OFFERING YOU?

The Girls on the Move programme includes: Athletics, Basketball, Football, Handball, Netball, Rugby, Hip-Hop, Self-Defence and Volleyball.

Come and try anyone of these disciplines, see the difference and how good you will feel afterwards. It is up to you what you choose to do – we are giving you the opportunity. Training is usually held once a week and there are various venues to choose from.

For Parents

Parents’ Commitments

• Consider physical activity as an inherent part of your daughter’s life.
• Be a main source of encouragement and motivation for girls to be active.
• Find out what your daughter likes to do and what she thinks she’s good at.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in her sport.
• Emphasize enjoyment and fairplay.

KMS Objectives

• To increase the opportunities for girls to participate in sport and other physical activities in a safe and supportive environment.
• To address under-representation in sport programmes where girls are not sufficiently represented.
• To assist different sport associations to develop sustainable practices that will eventually lead to an increased participation of girls in a variety of sports.

Download Application Form in English

Download Application Form in Maltese

Budget 2012

Budget 2012 – Sports Initiatives

Budget 2012 – Sports Initiatives:

· An investment of €350,000 for the development of a motorsport facility suitable for Karting, Mini Motos, Quad Bikes Motards, Scooters and tuning of Hill Climb vehichles

· Allocation of €350,000 for sport tourism

· Opening of a new Complex in Hal Kirkop

· A budget of €100,000 for the beginning of a project which will see a secondary school for sports discipline

· €120,000 for sports scholarships.

· Investment of €9 million in a new school at Hal Kirkop and new sports facilities in Santa Venera

Facilitajiet Sportivi

L-MBA tgawdi minn investiment iehor ta’ €300,000 u minn art pubblika b’valur ta’ €450,000

AKTAR FACILITAJIET SPORTIVI: SALA SPORTIVA GDIDA TALBASKETBALL F’TA’ QALI.

L-MBA tgawdi minn investiment iehor ta’ €300,000 u minn art pubblika b’valur ta’ €450,000

Il-Gvern qieghed jghin lil-Malta Basketball Association twaqqaf sala gdida tal-basketball f’Ta Qali biex izid il-facilitajiet sportivi disponibbli ghal-basketball. Il-Gvern se jkun qed jghin billi jiffinanzja parti sostanzjali mill-progett u billi jghaddi aktar art pubblika lill-Assocjazzjoni tal-Basketball. Dan habbru l-Onor Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari ghaz-Zghazagh u Sport waqt li inaghtaw id-dettalji ta’ faċilità gdida li se takkomoda żewg training courts biswit il-padiljun f’Ta’ Qali.

Clyde Puli fakkar li ftit tal-granet ilu il-Gvern ghadda 16 il-bicca art pubblika ohra lil 13-il ghaqda sportiva biex issa il-komunita Sportiva Maltija qed tamministra xejn anqas minn 124 bicca art pubblika b’valur kummercjali ta’ €46 miljun. Il-Basketball ukoll qed igawdi minn din l-iskema u fil-fatt aktar art pubblika ghaddiet ghand il-Malta Basketball Association f’dawn il-granet biex issa l-istess MBA qed tamministra art pubblika li ghandha valur kummercjali ta; aktar minn €450,000.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari qal li wara li fl-2009 il-Gvern alloka xi haddiema tieghu u anke €93,000 mill-Fond għall-Kawżi Ġusti biex ikun jista’ jittranġa il-padiljun prezenti tal-basketball, il-Gvern qieghed issa jikkommetti ruhu li jassisti finanzjarjament lill-MBA biex twaqqaf sala sportiva ohra li takkomoda żewg training courts tal-basketball. Din il-facilita sportiva gdida, minghajr il-valur talart, hija stmata li se tiswa aktar minn €300, 000.

Clyde Puli qal li l-Gvern qieghed jaghmel dan l-investiment mhux biss biex tizdied ilprofessjonalità tal-logħba tal-basketball “iżda aktar minn hekk biex ninvestu fit-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ tagħna, li rridu narawhom dejjem aktar attivi u f’sahhithom fizikament, mentalment u fil-karattru”.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari appella lill-Komunita Sportiva biex tamministra b’responsabbilta linvestiment qawwi li qed isir fl-iSport Malti. Huwa heggeg ghal uzu ahjar tar-rizorsi u ghal sforz akbar biex tinholoq ekonomija madwar l-isport. Huwa fakkar li l-iskema ta’ assistenza ghal turizmu sportiv hija incentiv iehor biex dan isehh.

Il-President tal-Malta Basketball Association, Paul Sultana, qal li l-MBA offriet li tinvesti finanzjarjament mal-Gvern filwaqt li tidhol ghall-amministrazzjoni ta’ din il-facilita gdida ghaliex temmen li hija wkoll ghandha r-responsabbiltà taghha biex tghin tixxettel kultura sportiva fost it-tfal u z-zghazagh taghna. Hu irringrazzjja u applawda l-inizzjattiva tas-Segretartjat li jghin lill-ghaqda sportiva tal-Basketball Malti.

Ghal din ic-ceremonja kien hemm prezenti ukoll ic-Chairman tal-Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport Bernard Vassallo, diretturi tal-KMS u l-kumtitat tal-Malta Basketball Association.

Skolasport 2011-2012

KMS Skolasport Application Form 2011-2012 is available from our website!

KMS Skolasport Application Form 2011-2012 is available from our website!

Classic Cars at Mdina

Valletta Grand prix Foundation is organising a ‘Concours d’Elegance’ at the cathedral square Mdina.

Classic Cars at Mdina

As a fabulous start to the Mdina weekend event, the Valletta Grand prix Foundation is organising a ‘Concours d’Elegance’ at the cathedral square this friday. This celebration of the golden era will feature 38 of the best classic automobiles in Malta.

More than just a car show, vehicles will be judged not simply on condition, but also elegance. A panel of overseas judges will award prizes for three different classes, and the public will vote for the ‘People’s Choice’.

Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume, so a charming ambience is guaranteed. A Jazz band is scheduled to provide musical entertainment.

The show starts at 11am and finishes at 5pm.

Prize giving will take place at 4pm.

There are plenty of restaurants in Mdina, so why not make a day of it.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Weightlifting Association

Two medals for Rodmar Pulis in Commonwealth Championships

TWO MEDALS FOR RODMAR PULIS IN COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The Malta weightlifting Association has just taken part in the Commonwealth Championships that were held in Cape Town South Africa. 130 Athletes from 25 countries participated from Commonwealth Countries such as India, Nigeria, New Zealand, England, Barbados and Oceanic Islands.

Representing Malta was seventeen year old Rodmar Pulis in the 77 Kilo Category. Rodmar successfully lifted a 96 Kg Snatch and a 117Kg Clean & Jerk. These positive results gained Rodmar the Silver Medal in the Youths Category. First place was won by India and Third place was won by South Africa.

Pulis also participated in the Juniors Championship, and in spite of him being the youngest lifter he still managed to clinch the third position. England won first place and India came Second.

Pulis could have gained better results if he had managed to hold on to the 120 Kg Clean & Jerk in his last attempt but it has to be said that the competition was intensely fought and Pulis was a good match for the other athletes’ persistence. During his stay in Cape Town Pulis enhanced his experience by taking part in training session with various lifters. With these results Pulis also managed to break four National records.

The President of the Association Jesmond Caruana assisted the athlete in this competition as well as serving as technical official in a number of the competitions held. The participation of Malta was very important in these games as during the Congress Malta presented a rapport to hold these games in 2013. Scotland and Wales also showed their interest to hold the Games. But after evaluation the Executive Committee decided to give the honour to Malta. This is another milestone in the history of the Association. This event will also help in the preparation of athletes for the Games of 2014 to be held in Scotland.

The participation of Malta in this event was made possible by the help of ‘Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport’.

KSU Freshers Week

L-Onor Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari għaż-Żgħażagħ u Sport dalgħodu żar il- KSU Freshers Week fl-Università ta’ Malta fejn żar l-istands tal-għaqdiet tal-istudenti universitarji filwaqt li nieda inizjattivi għall-istudenti.

L-Onor Clyde Puli jżur il- KSU Freshers Week fl-Università ta’ Malta u jvara inizjattivi ġodda għaż-żgħażagħ

L-Onor Clyde Puli, Segretarju Parlamentari għaż-Żgħażagħ u Sport dalgħodu żar il- KSU Freshers Week fl-Università ta’ Malta fejn żar l-istands tal-għaqdiet tal-istudenti universitarji filwaqt li nieda inizjattivi għall-istudenti.

Waqt iż-żjara tiegħu s-Segretarju Parlamentari żar l-istand imtellà minn Aġezija Żgħażagħ li din is-sena qed ikollha preżenza fil-freshers week tal-Università; l-Junior College u l-MCAST. Fl-istand ta’ Aġenzija Żgħażagħ l-Onor. Puli nieda żewġ kotba ta’ informazzjoni għaż-żgħażagħ, wieħed b’numru ta’ servizzi offruti mill-Gvern għaż-żgħażagħ u ktejjeb dwar l-għaqdiet volontarji.

Waqt din it-tnedija hu qal li waħda mill-funzjonijiet tal-Aġenzija huwa li tipprovdi informazzjoni ta’ kwalità liż-żgħażagħ u żied li wara t-tnedija tal-youth portal l-Aġenzija bdiet taħseb li tiżviluppa metodi oħra sabiex twassal l-informazzjoni liż-żgħażagħ.

Fl-istess żjara l-Onor Puli żar ukoll l-istand tal-Malta University Sports Club (MUSC) fejn hemmek nieda skema sportiva li l-KMS se ttella’ flimkien ma’ dan il-klabb fejn studenti Universitarji se jkunu jistgħu jużaw il-pixxina u l-gym f’Tal-Qroqq b’rati mnaqqsa.

Hu sostna li l-Gvern permezz tal-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport hu kommess li jgħin u jagħti daqqa t’id lill-għaqdiet sportivi taż-żgħażagħ f’inizjattivi sportivi li joħolqu, bil-għan li tinfirex il-kultura sportiva.

KMS Adventure Programme

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is offering you the opportunity of an 8 week adventure programme!

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is offering you the opportunity of a lifetime with an action-packed, fun-filled 8 week adventure programme which will provide participants a perfect opportunity to sample a variety of outdoor sports activities.

Thanks to the wide variety, participation in this programme will give participants invaluable experiences in dealing with challenging situations, building leadership skills, fostering of team spirit, building self-confidence, acquiring new skills and developing appreciation of others and the environment.

Period:          October to December 2011

Age Group:   13yrs-16yrs (Born 1995 to 1998)

Venue:          Marsa Sports Complex

Price:            €140 including transport from venue to locations and back.

Activities:       Outdoor Team Building, Night Hike, Mountain Biking, Gozo Trekking, Capture the Flag, Climbing, Assault Course, 1 day  expedition.

Application Form

Aerobics for Adults

Kunsill Malti għall-Isport will be holding Aerobics

Kunsill Malti għall-Isport will be holding Aerobics classes at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Sessions will be held on Wednesday and Friday at 11.00a.m. at the price of € 10 per month.

Application Form

Marsa Sports Village

Estiż il-perjodu għas-sejħa t’interess għall-Marsa Sports Village

Estiż il-perjodu għas-sejħa t’interess għall-Marsa Sports Village

Il-Kunsill Malti għall-Isport estenda d-data għas-sottomissjonijiet ghas-sejħa t’interess, ghall-iżvillupp u t-tmexxija tal-Marsa Sports Village b’erba’ ġimgħat, biex issa dawk l-iżviluppaturi interessati jistgħu jissottomettu l-interess tagħhom sas-27 ta’ Ottubru 2011.

Oriġinarjament id-data tal-għeluq għas-sottomissjonijiet kienet is-27 ta’ Settembru izda din it-talba qed tigi estiza wara għadd ta’ talbiet minn investituri prospettivi li talbu għal aktar żmien sabiex jevalwaw ahjar il-proposti ghall-proġett. Għaldaqstant il-perjodu ghax-shortlisting, il-proposti u l-għażla tal-iżviluppatur se jimxu wkoll.

Il-proġett tal-Marsa Sports Village li se jkun mifrux fuq madwar 812,000 metru kwadru ta’ art u se jiġbor fih għadd ta’ dixxiplini sportivi li jsiru fuq barra u se joffri aktar faċilitajiet u faċilitajiet aħjar fosthom Ċentru Ekwestriju, pitches għar-Rugby, u Akkademja tal-Golf li magħquda mal-korsa eżistenti tifforma korsa tal-golf ta’ livell internazzjonali.

Il-Marsa Sports Village se jkun qed jikkontribwixxi għas-sostenibbiltà finanzjarja tal-isports permezz ta’ investiment bi sħab mal-privat. B’hekk ikun qed jiġi sfruttat il-potenzjal kummerċjali tal-art allokata għall-iżvilupp, jitkabbar it-turiżmu sportiv, jiżdied id-dħul finanzjarju għal pajjiż u jinħolqu impjiegi ġodda.

Minn naħa tiegħu l-investitur prospettiv se jkollu l-obbligu li jizviluppa l-faċilitajiet sportivi skont standards internazzjonali kif specifikat mill-għaqdiet sportivi involuti filwaqt li jieħu ħsieb l-operat u l-manutenzjoni tagħhom matul is-snin. L-iżviluppatur prospettiv se jkun obbligat wkoll li jipprovdi spazji miftuħa għall-mixi, ġiri u ċikliżmu li se jkunu miftuħa għall-pubbliku bla ħlas.

Il-komunità sportiva se tkun qed tgawdi minn facilitajiet ta’ livell internazzjonali, amministrazzjoni professjonali u ċentralizzata mingħajr ma titgħabba bil-piżijiet finanzjarji ta’ dawn il-ħtiġijiet.

Huwa ikkalkulat li madwar 44 entità sportiva u 10,000 persuna se jkunu qed jibbenefikaw mill-faċilitajiet ġodda li se jkunu offruti fil-Marsa Sports Village.

Performance Master Class

KMS to assist the The Malta Motorsport Federation for the Institute Performance Master class sessions

What started as a dream 14 months ago, is today a reality being lived here - the first MMF/FIA Institute Performance Master class sessions for young drivers stated by MMF president Mr. Tonio Cini.

The Malta Motorsport Federation applied for a number of funds from the FIA Institute to organize a number of courses, one of which was to educate our Young Drivers in improving their approachability to the sport. The MMF applications were well received and FIA Institute approved their funding. The Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport stepped in to cover up MMF 50 % contribution – namely 25000 Euros.

Mr. Bernard Vassallo, KMS Chairman, stated that it was a pleasure for KMS to assist the MMF in this innovative project with high potential and together with FIA Institute make it possible to prepare Malta’s young drivers towards a more professional approach.

Sport, generally speaking, is not just about technique but demands sound preparation in other important factors such as psychological and physical preparation and even nutrition and anti-doping education.

The KMS Chairman augured that this course reaps good dividends in the future and will have a ripple effect across the various motorsport disciplines on the island.

MMF was working in the right direction for the progress of this locally very popular sport and Vassallo stated that KMS and even the Secretariat for Youth and Sport was always ready to assist the MMF in its visions for the future.

The Seminar was delivered by the Motor Sport Association Academy an arm of FIA and MSA UK coaches Mr James Wozencroft, a former Junior World Rally Driver Champion and FIA Institute Excellence Academy coach, and Mr Greg Symes HQ Official at the British Formula 1 GP and Wales Rally GB.

The Performance Master Class Sessions were very well received by the 19 participants who came from the various motor racing disciplines represented by the MMF.

Investing in the Future

The Youth Football Association in collaboration with the Malta Sports Council launch the program "Investing in the Future"

The Youth Football Association in collaboration with the Malta Sports Council launch the program "Investing in the Future '

‘Football at this level is a breath of fresh air for the future of the beautiful game’ – Bjorn Vassallo, CEO MFA.

In a press conference held this evening at the Youth Football Association, together with the Malta Council for Sports in the Centenary Hall, Ta 'Qali, was launched the' Investing in the Future '.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro opened this conference by thanking the Government, which through the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sport and the KMS is assisting Maltese sport move forward, by helping to provide adequate facilities and sports education, as in the case of these programs launched today. The President of the Youth FA, urged the nurseries to keep in mind that well-being and education of children is much more important than the results.

Mr. Bjorn Vassallo started by commending the Youth FA Council and each and every volunteer helping in the nurseries, because football at this level is a breath of fresh air for the future of the beautiful game. The MFA’s CEO urged all those involved in football to be always positive in their approach and face challenges with a professional attitude. Mr. Vassallo announced that in the near future the MFA will introduce programs for Parent Clubs’ administrators, where amongst other things, the importance of nurseries, as for the future of the game will highlighted.

The KMS’ Chairman announced that all football nurseries will be able to participate in four programs: - nutrition, psychology, bio-mechanical tests and child protection. He went to remind that football is the most practiced sport in our islands, and there are thousands of children enrolled in our football nurseries and therefore expects a very good take up in these programs, which would help players improve their performances. Mr. Bernard Vassallo praised the Youth FA and the MFA for being pro-active and proposed these programs and other Associations urged to come forward and see how the KMS can assist them to continue installing a sporting culture in our country.

In his speech the Hon Clyde Puli said that such a program will take the sport to a more professional level and added dimension that such programs should be provided to train children and young athletes by each sports discipline.

The Parliamentary Secretary said the Government is endorsing this initiative organized by the KMS and the Youth FA because through this program the 8, 400 children and youths from the 50 nurseries registered Youth FA can take benefit. Furthermore the program will be giving space to the parents of these children to participate and learn more about how to take care of their children’s health as well as their own.

Hon Puli concluded by saying that these kind of programs are indeed direct investment in our children's future.

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Il-Youth Football Association b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Kunsill Malti għal-iSport iniedu l-programm ‘Investing in the Future’

‘Il-football f’dan il-livell huwa nifs ġdid għal-logħba li tant inħobbu.’ – Bjorn Vassallo, CEO ta’ l-MFA.

F’konferenza tal-aħbarijiet organizzata il-lejla mill-Youth Football Association, flimkien mal-Kunsill Malti għal-iSport ġewwa s-Centinary Hall, Ta’ Qali, ġie mniedi l-proġramm ‘Investing in the Future’.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro ta’ bidu għal din il-konferenza billi rringrazzja l-Gvern, li permezz tal-Segretarjat Parlamentari għaż-Żagħżagħ u Sport u l-KMS qiegħed jagħmel tant ġid għal-isport Malti, billi jgħin sabiex jipprovdi faċilitajiet adekwati u edukazjoni sportiva, bħal fil-kaz ta’ dawn il-programmi. Il-President tal-Youth FA, kompla sabiex ħeġġeġ lin-Nurseries sabiex iżommu f’moħħom li l-ġid u l-edukazzjoni tat-tfal avdati f’idejhom huwa ħafna iktar importanti mir-riżultati.

Is-Sur Bjorn Vassallo, beda billi faħħar il-Kunsill tal-Youth FA u kull volontarju li jgħin fin-nurseries ta’ pajjizna għaliex il-football f’dan il-livell huwa nifs ġdid għal-logħba li tant inħobbu. Is-CEO ta’ l-MFA kompla sabiex ħeġġeġ lil-dawk kollha involuti fil-football sabiex ikunu dejjem posittivi fl-attitudni tagħhom u sabiex jiffaċjaw l-isfidi b’attitudi professjonali. Is-Sur Vassallo ħabbar li fil-futur qrib l-MFA se tintroduċi programmi għal-amministraturi tal-Clubs (Parent Clubs) fejn fost affarijiet oħra se jenfasizzaw fuq l-importanza tan-nuseries għal-futur tal-logħba.

Iċ-Chairman tal-Kunsill Malti għall-Isport, ħabbar li n-nurseries kollha tal-football se jkunu jistgħu jipparteċipaw f’erbgħa programmi dwar nutrizzjoni, psikologia, testijiet bio-mekkaniċi u protezzjoni tat-tfal. Huwa kompla sabiex fakkar li l-football huwa l-iktar sport prattikat fil-gzejjer tagħna, u li hemm eluf tat-tfal imxerda man-nurseries kollha u għalhekk huwa ħeġġeġ li jkun hemm parteċipazzjoni tajba f’dawn il-programmi li jgħinu sabiex l-players itejbu l-prestazzjonijiet tagħhom. Is-Sur Bernard Vassallo, faħħar lil-Youth FA u l-MFA talli kienu pro-attivi u propenew dawn il-programmi u ħeġġeġ lil-assoċjazjonijiet oħra sabiex jersqu lejn il-KMS biex inkomplu niżiraw kultura sportiva f’pajjiżna.

Fid-diskors tiegħu l-Onor Clyde Puli sostna li dawn il-pogrammi se jieħdu l-isport f’dimensjoni aktar professjoniali u żied li programmi bħal dawn għandhom jibdew jingħataw minn kull dixxiplina sportiva li tħarreġ atleti tfal u żgħażagħ.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari qal li l-Gvern qed jappoġja din l-inizjattiva organizzata mill-KMS u l-Youth FA għaliex permezz ta’ dan il-programm jistgħu jibbenefikaw it-8,400 tfal u żgħażagħ mill-50 nursery reġistrati tal-Youth FA. Aktar minn hekk il-programm se jkun qed jagħti spazju lill-ġenituri ta’ dawn it-tfal li jipparteċipaw fih u jitgħallmu aktar dwar kif jieħdu ħsieb saħħithom u dik ta’ wliedhom.

L-Onor Puli temm jgħid li dawn it-tip ta’ programmi huma tabilħaqq investiment dirett fil-futur ta’ wliedna.

Weightlifting Athletes

Weightlifting Athletes returned from a Training Camp in Rome with the help of 'Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport'

Weightlifting Athletes Clint Grech and Rodmar Pulis have just returned from a Training Camp organised in the CONI Olympic Centre in Rome. They were accompanied by Association coach Stephen Borg.

It was a very rewarding experience for the Maltese athletes as they trained together with athletes from the Italian national team. This event was made possible with the help of the European Weightlifting Federation and ‘Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport’. Next Sunday the 25th of September the Association shall be organising a competition in preparation for International Competitions. This competition will be held in the Cottonera Sports Complex at 10.30am and everyone is invited to attend.

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L-atleti tal-weightlifting Clint Grech kif ukoll Rodmar Pulis ghadom kemm hadu sehem fi training camp gewwa ic-centru olimpiku ta Ruma imexxi mill Coni huma kienu akompanjati min coach ta l-ghaqda Stephen Borg.

Din kienet esperjenza positiva hafna fejn l-atleti Maltin trenjaw flimkien ma l-atleti tat-team nazzjonali Taljan. Dan it-training camp seta ikun possibli bill ghajnuna tal-Federazzjoni Ewropeja u il-Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport.

Nahar il-Hadd li gej 25 ta`Settembru ser tkun organizatta kompetizzjoni bi thejjija ghal kompetizjonijiet internazzjonali li ser ikunu impenjati fihom ghadd ta atleti. Il-kompetizjoni ser issier gewwa il kumpless tal-cottonera u tibda 10.30, kulhadd mistiden u thul huwa b`xejn.

Local Sport Achievement

Provisions for special paid leave in relation to participation at international sports activities held locally and abroad

International Sports activities held locally and abroad

Public officers participating as athletes, coaches or accompanying officials in international sports activities, both locally and abroad, are allowed special leave with pay. Public officers benefitting from the 20/20 Sports Training Leave Scheme are not precluded from being granted special paid leave under this policy.

International Sports activities held abroad

Special leave with pay is allowed for a maximum of ten (10) events per calendar year when:

(1) members of a National Sport Organisation will be representing Malta in both competitive and friendly events held abroad;

(2) members of Local Sport Organisations (individual clubs) will be participating in competitive events held abroad .

All absences directly related to the actual duration of the specific event, such as travel days, are also to be covered by special paid leave.

International Sports activities held locally

One day special paid leave is allowed for actual participation in international sports activities held locally when:

(1) members of a National Sport Organisation will be representing Malta in both competitive and friendly events held locally;

(2) members of Local Sport Organisations (individual clubs) will be participating in competitive international events held locally.

Attendance at mandatory conferences and meetings

Special paid leave is allowed for attendance at mandatory conferences and meetings when:

(1) officials of a National or Local Sport Organisation will be representing their organisation at mandatory conferences and

meetings held abroad, such as the annual general meetings of their respective international federation;

All absences directly related to the actual duration of the specific conference and meeting, such as travel days, are also to be covered by special paid

leave.

As it happened: Regatta

Preparations are well underway for the "Regatta ta' Jum il-Vitorja 2011". We will be updating you instantly on how the draws will be taking place.

N.P denotes that the club did not participate in that particular race.

N.F denotes that the club did not finish the race.

D denotes that the club has been disqualified.

12:18  Preperations are well underway for the "Regatta ta' Jum il-Vitorja 2011". We will be updating you instantly on how the draws will be taking place.

13:05 The 1st and 2nd Race line Up has been drawn and will race as below:

13:55 The following are the results of the 1st race

 The 3rd and 4th Race line Up has been drawn and will race as below:

14:15 The following are the results of the 2nd race

14:50 The following are te results of the 3rd race

14:55 The 5th and 6th Race line Up has been drawn and will race as below:

15:15 The following are the results of the 4th race

15:53 The following are the results of the 5th race

16:03 The 7th and 8th Race line Up has been drawn and will race as below:

16:12 The following are the results of the 6th race

16:34 The following are the results of the 7th race

16:39 The 9th and 10th Race line Up has been drawn and will race as below:

16:53 The following are the results of the 8th race

17:26 The following are the results of the 9th race

17:45 The following are the results of the 10th race

17:49 The winner of the overall shield for category B is Marsa with 68 points.

17:56 The winner of the overall shield for category A is Senglea with 76 points.

Traditional Regatta

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is once again organising the Traditional Regatta of the 8th September.

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is once again organising the Traditional Regatta of the 8th September. The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. Seven clubs from the surrounding harbour cities compete in 10 races under two different categories using typical traditional Maltese boats like the ‘frejgatini’, ‘kajjikki’ and ‘dghajjes tal-pass and tal-midalji’. The clubs can be recognised by their traditional colours which include Birzebbuga (Red-White-Blue), Cospicua (Light Blue), Kalkara (Green), Marsa (Red-Blue), Marsamxett (Valletta) (Yellow), Senglea (Red-Yellow), and Vittoriosa (Red).

The course is set up in the Valletta Grand Harbour with the start line located across the harbour at the New Quay (Ras Hanzir) and the finishing line across the harbour at Pinto Wharf 5 next to the Customs House. The races can be viewed from the water edge of the three cities (Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea) or Valletta. For this occasion, Pinto Wharf 4 and 5 on the Valletta side is open to the general public. Races start at noon and finish at 6pm.

Summer on the Move 2011

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport can easily boast that it organised the biggest summer school on the Island!

Summer on the Move 2011

Today Kunsill Malti għall-iSport can easily boast that it organised the biggest summer school on the Island, where more than 1,090 children and adults took part in a variety of sport activities from outdoor to indoor sport.   This year Kellogg’s has come on board and supported Kunsill Malti għall-iSport in this programme. 

Our participants enjoyed summer to the full by spending their holidays swimming at the National Pool Complex, sweating it out in indoor games at the Cottonera and Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex and pumping their adrenalin high in outdoor adventure sport, sailing and canoeing.

They have realised that sitting at home watching television or surfing the net is not going to get them any fitter.  The advantage was that they had the opportunity to utilise various possibilities that are not always available during the school period.  In addition, parents knew that their children were safe, and in the good hands of skilled coaches, who brought the best out of all children in a physical and sporting environment.

With summer almost at the end and the start of school in sight, what better time to take advantage after this success than to help your children meet some of the lifestyle targets that we may have set for them and enrol them in the KMS winter programmes like Skolasport, another programme also supported by Kellogg’s.

Skolasport has been in operation for more than 20 years, facing new challenges each year as a result to listening to what children want, and to the needs of the parents.  For further information contact KMS 21-660658/9 or email: programmes@sportmalta.org.mt 

KMS Summer on the Move

Youngsters immerse in a new aquatic world with KMS Summer on the Move and Kellogg’s

Youngsters immerse in a new aquatic world with KMS Summer on the Move and Kellogg’s

Over 50 youngsters, between 13-16 years of age, are being introduced to the wonderful world of scuba diving as part of the KMS ‘Summer on the Move’, sponsored by Kellogg’s. This is the first time scuba diving lessons have been introduced as part of the KMS ‘Summer on the Move’ Adventure programme. 

This particular session offers a basic hands-on introduction to scuba diving skills. Participants are presented with a certificate upon successful completion of the introductory session, and may choose to take further sessions which would lead to the PADI Open Water Diver course certification.

“The Adventure programme offers a taste of the different activities one can engage in, like abseiling, kayaking, cycling, orienteering and beach games. The aim is to help these youngsters gain experience, knowledge and confidence in their physical abilities, while helping them choose the right sport they want to improve in,” said Robert Attard, KMS Coach – Adventure programme.     

Prior to the first session in the water, participants were taken through a DVD featuring safety measures, including scuba diving sign language, followed by a written test to assess grasp of safety rules.

KMS ‘Summer on the Move’ is organised by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and is sponsored by Kellogg’s, the world’s leading producer of breakfast cereal, for the first time this year as part of its commitment to promote the benefits of a balanced diet, coupled with an active and healthy lifestyle.

The KMS ‘Adventure’ programme is designed to introduce youngsters between 13-16 years to become more active, enjoy doing sports and a healthier lifestyle.  The three hours sessions, between 9.00am and 12.00pm vary according to the assigned group. Monday’s and Friday’s are dedicated to the Cottonera group whilst Tuesday’s and Thursday’s are set for the Tal-Qroqq group.

For further information on any other sport discipline practiced at the KMS Adventure Programme kindly contact Ms Tanya Zahra, KMS Programmes at the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport Head Office either on tel. 21660658/9, via e-mail: programmes@sportsmalta.org.mt

20/20 Training Leave

Christopher Camilleri is the first Maltese national athlete to benefit from the 20/20 Sport Training Leave for the private sector.

National Athlete benefits from the 20/20 Sport Training Leave for the Private Sector

The Hon. Clyde Puli, Parlamentary Secretary Youth and Sport met Christopher Camilleri, the first Maltese national athlete to benefit from the 20/20 Sport Training Leave for the private sector.

Christopher Camilleri, an auditor at Deloitte, has been training canoeing professionally since 2004.  This year he has been recognised as the first athlete in the 20/20 sport training leave scheme for the private sector, which scheme was introduce in this year’s budget and offered by Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS). 

This scheme, aimed to make training time more available, is open to national athletes who work in the private sector.  Under this scheme the employee is granted 20 hours out of his/her normal weekly working hours, during which s/he performs his/her schedule of daily training.  These 20 hours are paid pro-rata by KMS.  This scheme is a joint agreement between KMS, the athlete, the company employing the athlete and the respective national sport association.  The latter nominates the athlete with KMS and the application is vetted.  Consequently a strategic plan of training and the aims to be reached are presented to be approved by KMS. 

This year there was a fund of €100,000 for employees opting to reduce their working hours to be able to training during the week.  This fund is increased by €50,000, during years in which Small Nations Games are held, just as was the case this year.

During his presentation Hon. Puli said that the 20/20 Sport training leave scheme is just one other scheme in the network of schemes that Kunsill Malti għall-iSport offers to promote elite sport.   He explained that currently there are 8 athletes benefitting from the 20/20 scheme in the public sector and the need aroused for the scheme to be extended to the private sector. 

Hon. Puli also mentioned the AFM Sports Scheme, where AFM will be employing elite athletes and potential elites as soldiers.   This scheme is based on 2 levels.  At the first level, the national athletes employed would be granted 20 hours for their training and for the other 20hrs they would be working for the armed forces.  At the second level, once established the athlete soldier would be given full 40 hrs of training and still be employed with the armed forces.  

Clyde Puli said that through KMS schemes, the Government is investing over €5.5million.  Such investment is always aimed at promoting and pushing local sport to higher levels.  

During this meeting Christopher Camilleri said that this scheme gives him the opportunity to improve his skills further as now he can train for longer hours; hours during which previously he was at work. 

Lisa Dimbleby, Deloitte representative, said that the company encourages employees to take part in sport activities, while encouraging them to find a balance between work and other activities. 

Marsa Sports Village

Marsa Sports Village Project was officially launched by the Hon. Clyde Puli

Marsa Sports Village Project Launched

The Marsa Sports Village Project was officially launched by the Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport. The Sports Village was designed and planned using a holistic approach, in order to provide state-of-the-art sports facilities to thousands of Maltese families, youths and sports enthusiasts.

It has been estimated that around 44 sports entities and over 10,000 people will benefit from the new sports facilities which will be available at the Marsa Sports Village. Parliamentary Secretary Puli stated that the project reflects the continuing progress being made in the Government's strategy aimed at developing the sports sector in Malta through a modern infrastructure and financial sustainability, which also has the positive effect of improving local sports on all levels.

The Sports Village will be built on around 812,000 square metres of government-owned land in Marsa. The investor, who will be chosen following a public call for tenders, will be expected to handle all necessary financial investments related to the completion of the project, and will also be responsible for the maintenance and running of the facilities.

Financial sustainability in sports 

The Marsa Sports Village will be contributing to the financial sustainability of sports through a joint investment involving the private sector. This will ensure that the whole area earmarked for development is used to its full commercial potential. The Project will also boost the local sports tourism sector and increase financial revenue, while creating further employment opportunities. Government will be spending less on administration and maintenance operations, but will continuously improve existing local sports facilities in order to increase revenue from sports tourism. 

The sports community will be able to benefit from international level facilities and from a centralised and professional administrative system, without having to bear the financial burdens brought about by such requirements.

The plans for the Sports Village therefore include accommodation facilities, horse stables and other commercial facilities.

Sports tourism

Parliamentary Secretary Puli announced that around 41,000 bed nights were generated through the Parliamentary Secretariat’s scheme aimed at supporting sports organisations advocating Malta’s participation in sports competitions, training programmes and sports seminars. This is double the number of bed nights generated by sports tourism in 2009, and is estimated to have injected €2.4 million into the Maltese economy.

The Marsa Sports Village will allow the sports tourism sector to keep growing substantially, since it will be offering more and improved sports facilities for a number of different sports disciplines which until now were not attracting sports tourists to Malta.

Sports development

Parliamentary Secretary Puli added that “We can guarantee that the sports facilities we will be offering will not be used for commercial interests, and that they will first and foremost be available for use by Maltese sports associations and athletes.” In fact, the time allocated for use by local sports clubs has been set by the sports associations themselves.

As part of the development of the Marsa Sports Village, Government will require the developer to provide open spaces for physical exercise and recreational purposes. These will feature a walking, jogging and cycling track, which the public can use for free.

The creation of a new sports and tourism destination

The expression of interest will bind the investors to complete all the sports facilities at the Marsa Sports Village within two years from the date of issue of the development permits. The project is set to be completed within 4 years after the development permits are issued.

The holistic approach being adopted for the design and planning of the village will serve to merge together a large parcel of land which until now was divided into several disjointed plots which were being used inefficiently.

The Marsa Sports Village will be housing facilities for several different outdoor sports disciplines, and will be offering more and better facilities, among which an equestrian centre, rugby pitches and a golf academy, which, when merged with the existing golf course, will achieve the status of an international level golf course.

Hon. Puli expressed his satisfaction at the fact that the Marsa Sports Village will be providing Malta with yet another sports and tourism destination from which thousands of Maltese families, youths and sports enthusiasts are expected to benefit.

William Chetcuti

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport congratulates Maltese shooter and KMS employee William Chetcuti

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport congratulates Maltese shooter and KMS employee William Chetcuti, on the addition of another successful win and excellent performance at the second edition of the Malta International Double Trap Grand Prix, which was organised by the Malta Shooting Sport Federation, at the shooting range in Bidnija.

Top world class shooters competed along the three rounds each with 50 clay targets and the final barrage,  for the €10,000 cash price.

Chetcuti gave a spectacular show with a total of 145/150, managing  48/50 in the first and second round and 49/50 in the third and final round.

William Chetcuti contested the final barrage against the Swedish Hakan Dahlby, Alessandro Chainese, Francesco D’Aniello and Davide Gasparini from Italy and Almutairi Saad from Kuwait.
In front of the crowd that gathered at the MSSF Bidnija range, with a barrage of 47/50 and a total of 192/200 Chetcuti finished first overall.

BIKE RIDE

Success for the KMS Bike ride organised by Kunsill Malti għall-isport in collaboration with Malta Cycling Federation

Sunday 24th July 2011 was another success for the KMS Bike ride organised by Kunsill Malti għall-isport in collaboration with Malta Cycling Federation, in memory of Cliff Micallef who tragically passed away on 30th July 2009.

Over 120 cyclists, including the cycling fraternity along with Cliff’s wife Shirley, his three children and all his family, friends, the Life Cycle Team and the general public came together for this bike ride.  Ages ranged between 7 and 77 years. 

The ride took off from the car park at the Sliema Ferries at 9:30 am and the route guided riders along the Gzira seafront, towards Msida through Ta’ Xbiex. From Msida they headed towards Valley Road, B’Kara, Naxxar Road, roundabout Bathroom Design, B’Kara Bypass, University roundabout (Skate Park),  Msida, Rue D’Argens (near Msida Police Station) turning towards Paul & Rocco Petrol Station reaching the Gzira seafront and returning back to Sliema Ferries.  All Bikers were back at Sliema Ferries by 11:15am.

This is only one of the bike rides organised throughout the year through the collaboration of Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport and Malta Cylcing Federation.

For more informtion about future planned bike rides please visit www.sportmalta.org.mt or send an email to ellis_30@hotmail.com.

Summer on the Move Starts

KMS Summer on the Move programmes will kick off on Monday 11th July 2011, for an 8 week period packed with a vast range of morning or afternoon programmed activities

KMS Summer on the Move programmes will kick off on Monday 11th July 2011, for an 8 week period packed with a vast range of morning or afternoon programmed activities for kids, youths and adults.  Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is once again  running the Summer Sports Programmes with the aim of providing opportunities for the community in general to actively participate in various sport activities throughout the summer period, from 11th of July till the 2nd of September 2011.

The ‘Summer on the Move’ includes daily morning programmes that cater for different ages from 4 years of age and up to including adults.  Venues include Cottonera Sports Complex and Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex (National Swimming Pool and University Sports Hall), both offering Swimming and Indoor games for all ages; Sailing sessions near Haywharf and Pretty Bay, B’Bugia; Adventure sessions at various localities and the latest addition for this year is Canoeing being held at the Msida Creek.

The ‘Active Youngsters’ programme offers youngsters between the ages of 9 years and 16 years the opportunity to spend their summer evenings practicing a new or favourite sport from a wide choice of disciplines including: Football, Modern Dance, Handball, Netball, Educational Karate, Volleyball, Basketball and Rugby.

‘Sports Buzz’ will also start next Wednesday 13th July, offering a vast variety of sport activities and fun games for children every Wednesday evening.

Application forms and a full schedule of the programmes is available on http://www.sportmalta.org.mt/programmes or by sending an email to programmes@sportmalta.org.mt.

BEACH SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Through the financial assistance of the Malta Council of Sport, the Beach Soccer Association will be holding the Men's and Ladies National Championships starting from 15th July at the Pretty Bay, B'Bugia.

BEACH SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Through the financial assistance of the Malta Council of Sport, the Beach Soccer Association will be holding the Men's and Ladies National Championships starting from 15th July at the Pretty Bay, B'Bugia.
During the competitions there will be unique sporting attractions. Cheer Leaders will be present to entertain the crowds during the resting periods through music shows; there will be Zumba Classes by Maria and Pedro, Beach Handball, Beach Soccer Goalkeepers Challenge and other attractions. A Beach Soccer Academy is being set up for Boys and Girls from 6 to 14 years. Those interested may contact 99447297 or click on www.maltabeachsoccer.com for more details.
The participating teams, men and women will play two rounds with the first round with 12 minutes per half for two halves, whilst the final round will be played over three periods.
An international beach handball tournament will also be held between 29th and 31st July and three foreign teams are taking part. In August, players with special needs will also have the opportunity to enjoy playing on the sand. Roberti Pasquali, the Italian Beach Soccer team captain will be a special guest for the tournament, whilst FIFA is sending Spain's and the world's leading beach soccer player, Ramiro Fiqueiras Amarelle, who will conduct two beach soccer courses, one for coaches and the other for referees between 22nd and 24th July.
The Malta Football Association fully recognise the Beach Soccer Association and the Malta Council of Sport is endorsing these championships by giving its financial assistance so that these competitions will be a hugh success.

Beach Soccer History

The game is still in its infancy as an international organised sport. The first official FIFA World Cup was held in Rio de Janiero in Brazil at the famous Capocana Beach in 2005. These championships should now serve as a starting point for the development of Beach Soccer all over the world. Beach Soccer has an interesting future on the sands.
Over the past decades beach soccer travelled from the beaches in Brazil to the hearts of millions all over the world. With the television coverage world wide, the game has become a showcase. Although it was played almost all over the world it was not until 1992 that the Laws of the Game were formulated. A year after the first professional beach soccer competition took place with teams from Italy, Brazil, Argentina and the United States.

In Malta Beach Soccer started some years back and the game developing fast. That the game is accepted officially by the Malta Football Association should serve for a brighter future of the game on our island.

The Game

Beach Soccer is a dynamic sport that needs agility, stamina, fitness, technique, high speed and excitement. To be played, one needs a high level of fitness that comes from running continuously on a surface that is less stable than turf. It brings better condition in the players, legs and glutes. On a clean sand, players attempt the ‘glory shots’ rarely seen in the grass game like soccer kicks, flying headers and bicycle kicks.

The pitch measures 37 by 28 metres. Players may shoot from practically anywhere and goalkeepers are on their toes all the time. Describing the game fully, a shot attempt is made every 30 seconds with a goal being scored on average, once every 3 to 4 minutes. In an average game, about 11 goals are scored. The sand can be unpredictable for level passing and most players choose to set and pass the ball in the air. One expects to see a lot of chest traps, shoulder pops, headers and flick passes.

KMS Non-Olympic Funding

In its strive to instigate a sport culture, the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) endeavours to develop and implement sport programmes targeting all members of the Maltese community.

KMS Non-Olympic Sports Funding Scheme

In its strive to instigate a sport culture, the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) endeavours to develop and implement sport programmes targeting all members of the Maltese community.  KMS as both regulator and provider of services in the Sport and Active Leisure sector is also committed to supporting local sports from its grassroots to the highest level of sport. This is achieved in a number of ways through investing in the provision of a number of support programmes, which offer finanical subsidies and/or provision of facilities to KMS registered sports associations, federations and clubs.

For the second consecutive year, through the KMS Non-Olympic Sports Funding Scheme, KMS is widening and investing further in local sport, offering assistance to non-olympic sport entities registered with KMS. A total of 24 sport disciplines will benefit from this scheme which has an initial allocation of €25,700 for the year 2011. The beneficiary sport associations registered with KMS,  were presented their respective commitment letters, on 20th June 2011, at the KMS Cottonera Sports Complex, by Mr Joe Caruana Curran, KMS Director.  Mr Kenneth Vella and Ms Maria Mifsud, KMS Directors, together with Mr Sinclair Cassar, were also present for the presentation.

This scheme provides grants for training and technical preparations for both local and international competitions, including partially assisting in the expenses involved for travelling and/or participating in training camps abroad. This means that through this scheme KMS is creating further opportunities at national level for non-olympic sports athletes to grow and sustain their participation.

KMS offers a number of schemes, some of which include:

• Venue Scheme,
• Use of School Sport Facilities Scheme,
• Facility Maintenance Scheme,
• Facility Improvement Scheme,
• Special Sports Leave Scheme,
• Youth Development Scheme,
• Professional Services  Scheme,
• Sport Tourism Scheme,
• Tax Rebate Schemes,
• 20/20 Training Scheme,
• Elite Athletes Training Scheme,
• Equipment Scheme,
• Doping Control Scheme,
• Sports Personnel Scheme,  
• International Participation Foreign Assistance,
• Local Councils Scheme
• Non-Olympic Sport Scheme.

Sports Entities benefiting from this fund for 2011 include:

• Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi
• Federazzjoni Klabbs tal-Boċċi
• Għaqda Regatta Nazzjonali
• International Federation Body Builders Malta
• Malta Netball Association
• Malta Rugby Football Union
• National Federation of Sports Anglers
• Malta Baseball and Softball Association
• Malta Billiards and Snooker Association
• Malta Chess Federation
• Malta Cricket Association
• Malta Dancesport Association
• Malta Darts Association
• Malta Drifting Association
• Malta Golf Association
• Malta Karate Federation
• Malta Kendo Federation
• Malta Pool Association
• Malta Racing Club
• Malta Squash
• Malta Table Football Sports Association
• Malta Tenpin Bowling Association
• Traditional Karate Federation of Malta

More information about these funding programmes can be found on the KMS website www.sportmalta.org.mt or by contacting Sinclair Cassar on pas@sportmalta.org.mt

Results: Under-18 Regatta

On Saturday 2nd July, Għaqda Regatta Nazzjonali, assisted by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, held the Under-18 Regatta.

On Saturday 2^nd July, Għaqda Regatta Nazzjonali, assisted by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, held the Under-18 Regatta.

The U-18 Regatta offered young rowers an excellent opportunity to compete against each other as well as to take their potentials to the maximum and assert their talents even as aspirant rowers for the senior races.

The results of the Regatta are as follows:

Cadet European Judo Championships

After the success of the 2007 European Championships hosted in Malta by the Malta Judo Federation, another success was achieved recently when the Federation hosted the Cadet European Judo Championships at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

CADET EUROPEAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS: A SUCCESS STORY

After the success of the 2007 European Championships hosted in Malta by the Malta Judo Federation, another success was achieved recently when the Federation hosted the Cadet European Judo Championships at the Cottonera Sports Complex. The venue given free was part of the assistance extended by the Malta Sports Council to the Malta Federation.
Volunteers helping in the organisation experienced sleepless nights, surprises, pride, focus, frustration, exhilaration and other feelings. The championships attracted around 600 delegates from 40 countries.

It was a massive event, but the result was a well organised championhips for which the President of the European Judo Union, Sergey Soloveychik said: 'We are satisfied that not only bigger organisations but also smaller ones are able to organise championhips like these. It shows the development of the EJU and its federations. Malta organised a good level championships. This is a difficult period as we are one year away from the London Olympic Games and a lot of money flows into the ultimate performances to qualify and perform at the Olympic Games. However, there were promising talents and I hope they will bring us good European results in the future at international events. This generation may be able to shine at the Olympics of 2016 in Rio de Janiero'.

Besides the competition Malta hosted high profile coaches and former athletes such as the 1991 World Champion Daniel Lascau from Germany who is also the European Judo Union Vice President for sport; the 2001 World Championship runner up Sara Alvarez of Spain; the 2002 European medallist Amina Abdellatif of France; the 2005 World and European Champion Akos Braun of Hungary and two Italian Judokas who also competed in the year's Malta Open and at the European Championhips, one of them, Stangherlin Georgia placed 5th.

The Malta Judo Federation managed to stage an amazing event with the European Judo Union IT and Live Streaming Team said it was perfect, even better than some Championships and rand Slams in much bigger countries. Words of praise and thanks to the organizers came from all quarters, including some of the best referees convoked by the European Union.

These champinships served also as a promotion for our country. Most delegates expressed their wish to come back not only for Judo but also on holiday to enjoy our great hospitality. Most of them wished that they could extend their stay.
After the championships, the Judo Federation did not stop there. They hosted the European Judo Union calendar meeting and medical seminar.

Athletes Marcon Bezzina and Joanna Camilleri will be flying to Rome to start their Masters in Teaching and Coaching at the Tor Vergata Univeristy.

Winners at KMS Skolasport End of Year Event

Three lucky Skolasport participants won fabulous prizes, by kind courtesy of Kellogg’s, during the KMS Skolasport’s End of Year Event.

Winners at KMS Skolasport End of Year Event

Three lucky Skolasport participants won fabulous prizes, by kind courtesy of Kellogg’s, during the KMS Skolasport’s End of Year Event. Glen Vella won a mountain bike, while Mary Anne Hili and Glen Attard won a Wii game each. They received the prizes from Mr Tony Papadoukakis, Kellogg’s Market Development Manager for the Mediterranean.

The annual Sports Day, which was held at the Cottonera Sports Complex, was sponsored by Kellogg’s. Those attending the activity had a chance to win one of the three prizes. All three winners attend KMS Skolasport at the Pembroke Sports Center. 

Regatta Presentation

During a presentation ceremony that took place at the KMS Cottonera Sports Complex, Prize Money and subsidies where given out to all Regatta Clubs that participated in the March 2011 Regatta.

During a presentation ceremony that took place at the KMS Cottonera Sports Complex, Prize Money and subsidies where given out to all Regatta Clubs that participated in the March 2011 Regatta. This was also a setting that served to discuss the upcoming under 18 Regatta that will be returning after an absence of 2 years, and also started preliminary discussions for the September Regatta.

During her introductory comments, KMS Director responsible for Regatta, Margaret Mercieca stated that KMS was satisfied with the outcome of last March’s Regatta, and stated that the Clubs, the National Federation and KMS are happy with the way the Regatta has proceeded over the past two years. Mercieca said that one should also keep his feet firmly on the ground with the understanding that there is always room for improvement. Mercieca also hoped that the money being given out, that sums up to a total of €14,000, would help all teams invest in their equipment with the result being that each and every regatta will become more interesting than the one before it.

During an open floor session, Regatta teams that were present showed their appreciation towards KMS for the role it plays in the organisation of the Regatta, with some times even coming up with ideas on how to improve the existing structure.

MOST COMMITTED COACH

CARMEL MIZZI PRESENTED THE KMS ANNABELLE VASSALLO AWARD FOR THE MOST COMMITTED SKOLASPORT COACH OF THE YEAR 2011

Carmel Mizzi presented the KMS Annabelle Vassallo Award  for the most committed SkolaSport Coach of the year 2011

The Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) Skolasport 2010-2011 programme came to an end with the annual Sports Manifestation Day.  The event kicked off with a dance routine followed by a gymnastic routine that succesfully displayed the skills the young participants acquired during the scholastic year in various sport disciplines.  The evening was rounded up, much to the enjoyment of all kids and parents attending, with a Zumba party by the popular couple Pedro and Maria. 

During the manifestation, for the second consecutive year the ‘Annabelle Vassallo Award’ for Most Committed Coach was presented by Ms Micheline Sciberras, Director General of Education and Bernard Vassallo, Chairman for the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, to Charles Mizzi. Mr Vassallo remarked that, “Charles has always shown great commitment and dedication throughout these years and has worked whole heartedly putting all his passion and energy into what he does.”

KMS, together with Kellogg’s, Skola Sport official Sponsor, is now already preparing for next year’s Skola Sport programme and other sport programmes aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet and sports participation.  In this respect KMS has just launched a call for application for coaches to be recruited by KMS.  For more information and applications please visit http://www.sportmalta.org.mt/userFiles/app%20coaches%202011.pdf.

Special Olympics Malta

38 athletes in six sport disciplines will represent Malta at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games

Special Olympics Malta selects team for World Summer Games

38 athletes in six sport disciplines will represent Malta at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Athens, Greece between June 25 and July 4.  The Special Olympics Malta athletes will compete for gold in the fields of athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, bowling, bocce, and football.

The Games represent the highest level of sporting competition for Special Olympics athletes in the world.    7.500 Special Olympics athletes from 185 nations will take part in this year’s games which promise to be an important sporting highlight.  The Maltese athletes will be supported by a delegation of coaches, parents and helpers who will travel with the team to support and cheer them on as they compete in the historical home of the first modern-day Olympic Games.  The delegation will also include three Vodafone employees – Desiree Bone, Alistair Vella Stiles and Roberta Pace, who will be giving their time and support on a voluntary basis. 

During the press conference to announce the team’s imminent departure, Special Olympics Malta Director Anna Calleja said: “I am so proud of each and every one of our athletes who have been training hard to make our country proud. They have all shown great motivation, discipline and tremendous skill.  The fact that they have gone this far is already worthy of celebration. The World Summer Games are a wonderful opportunity to witness and celebrate the abilities, courage and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities. I would like to thank The Hon Clyde Puli for his continuous support and our main sponsor Vodafone Malta Foundation for its dedicated support as well as our other sponsors, Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, Megaline, The Good Causes Fund and the Voices Foundation.  They have all spearheaded us into achieving more as an organisation.”

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Clyde Puli wished the best of luck to the Maltese Athletes and stated that Government is committed to help Special Olympics Malta since it holds the values of social solidarity and social inclusion through sport. The Hon. Puli also thanked the volunteers which are involved in the logistics, training of the athletes and the sponsors who firmly believe in the benefits of this initiative.

Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment Tonio Fenech expressed his appreciation of the name that these athletes are giving Malta.  “It is satisfying that through the Good Causes Fund we can help Special Olympics Malta in the preparations for the Special Olympics Summer and World Games to be held in Athens in Greece between June 25 and July 4, 2011.” He praised the athletes and coaches and the Maltese directors who have continued raising Malta’s profile in the international scene and expressed hope that their example will also serve to strengthen the culture of sports among the Maltese population. 

“We wish the whole contingent all the very best at this world event,” said Martin Gregory, Head of Human Resources at Vodafone Malta.  “We augur they will once again return to Malta with much-deserved medals as testimony to their dedication and hard work and as an example to others. We should all be very proud of them. We’re also delighted that three of our employees are availing themselves of Vodafone’s Community Service Leave Scheme to travel with the contingent. They are typical positive examples of Vodafone employees’ efforts to participate in the company’s social investment aims.”

Healthy Athlete Programme

During the press conference it was also announced that Special Olympics Malta will be adopting the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes – a non-sport programme to be launched during the World Games designed to help athletes improve their health, fitness and wellbeing.  

Athletes receive a variety of health services conducted at Special Olympics competitions, while health care professionals learn about the health needs of Special Olympics athletes and participate by volunteering their skills. The Healthy Athlete programme is made up of seven disciplines:  Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes®, Special Olympics Special Smiles®, Special Olympics Healthy Hearing, Special Olympics FUNfitness, Special Olympics Health Promotion, Special Olympics Fit Feet and Special Olympics Medfest.

Persons with intellectual disabilities experience the same general health effects as well as additional physical and psychological concerns secondary to their primary disability such as osteoporosis, poor physical fitness, oral health problems, and a higher prevalence of overweight or obesity. While many assume that health care for those with intellectual disabilities is comprehensive and effective, this is often inconsistent. It has been recognised that persons with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for these preventable health conditions. Such health issues may cause significant barriers to Special Olympics athletes from reaching their full potential in Sports, in Education and in many other aspects of their daily lives.

This programme will help provide screening in areas where these are not always offered to persons with disability (bone density, biomechanical exams, specialised or adapted testing for persons with disability). The programme will allow free provision of individually fitted sports mouth guards, earplugs, hearing aids, prescription glasses, sports eye wear, protective sports goggles where appropriate and justifiable. The screening will contribute to referrals or recommendations for follow-up to local health practitioners and also provide proper clinical training for health care professionals and health care students about the needs of persons with intellectual disability.

Four Maltese specialists will be travelling to Athens with the delegation to undergo the necessary training as voluntary clinical directors of the programme.  Orthoptist Martin Francalanza, speech therapist, audiologist and CAPD specialist Dr Nadine Calleja, nutritionist and physical activity trainer Lara Gerada and podiatrist and tissue viability specialist Omar Schembri will be joining 1,500 clinical directors from around the world and will assist in screening 7,500 athletes competing in the World Games.

With the support of the Ministry of Health, the Elderly and Community Care and the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family, the Malta programme will be launched next year with a screening event every year for athletes and prospective ones who wish to join the SO Malta community.  

Special Olympics Europe works with half a million athletes in 58 countries across Europe, providing year round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and with other athletes.

Equestrian Festival 2011

Sunday 5th June was festa day at the Marsa racecourse.

Equestrian Festival 2011 – Sunday, 5^th June 2011

Sunday 5th June was festa day at the Marsa racecourse.  Attractively adorned for the occasion and with flags fluttering in a rather hot breeze, the racecourse provided the location for the second edition of the Equestrian Festival - a variety of equestrian activities spread over the entire day.

It was a pleasure to watch not just seasoned old-timers but also a number of newcomers to the race-course most of whom came with their families to watch at least part of the activities on offer.  

For some it was the first occasion to watch certain types of equestrian sports and many were surprised at the number of disciplines that are practised in Malta. 

If some people expected the racecourse to be empty at the start of the Festival at 7am, they must have been quite surprised at the number of enthusiasts who were already on the stands.

Indeed, pony racing was the first discipline on show and the enthusiasm and shouts of encouragement for drivers and ponies are not normally associated with a lazy start to a Sunday morning.

The traditional horse blessing ceremony was, as always, impressive and colourful.  A variety of horses participated, from the small Shetland ponies driven by children to the more sophisticated vintage carts still in immaculate condition and with their owners dressed in traditional outfits, truly reminiscent of days gone by.

Tradition then gave way to the grace and art associated with dressage and quadrilles, including an impressive Spanish dance performed on a horse.  One could not help wondering how many hours of training must be required to achieve the level of skill and co-ordination between horse and rider.

Team play is another feature of equestrian sports and this was featured through a hard-fought  polo match for the Cawnpore Cup, a beautiful, historic cup which is over a 100 years old. 

The afternoon was dominated by one of Malta’s most popular sports, i.e. horse-racing – featuring the horse’s speed, strength and dynamism as well as the driver’s talent and co-ordination with the horse he is guiding.

We saw some spectacular races first in the ponies’ challenge cups and then in the trotting and flat racing disciplines.  Tough challenges in the final straight and some dramatic finishes attracted enthusiastic shouts from the stands, with the crowd on its feet on many occasions.

But it was not just the sports activities which attracted the spectators.  A number of spectacular shows were also on offer, such as the In Guardia historical show and the colourful parade featuring horses, riders and flags.  These contributed to the variety offered to spectators throughout the day.

At the end of 11 hours of spectacular horse-related activities, the organisers (the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, with the collaboration of the Malta Racing Club, the Malta Equestrian Federation and the Malta Polo Club) had good reason to be satisfied with the large number of smiling faces – young and old - leaving the race-course after enjoying a great day outdoors with their families, appreciating horses’ and riders’ skills and the various equestrian sports practised in Malta.   

WHEELCHAIR DANCE SPORT

WHEELCHAIR DANCERS SUCCESS IN POLAND

WHEELCHAIR DANCERS SUCCESS IN POLAND

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is proud to assist Maltese couple Steven Fenech & Mandy Ghio in their Wheelchair DanceSport and congratulates the Wheelcahir DanceSport Association on the successes obtained so far. 

 Last week-end the current Maltese wheelchair dance champions took part in the Polish Open Wheelchair Dance Championships held in Warsaw, where they won the Ballroom Championship. This is the second Ballroom championship that they have won this year, having previously finished first in the International German Classic Wheelchair Dance Ballroom Championship held at the beginning of April.  Whilst in Poland, the couple also participated in the Polish Open Latin American Championship and were placed 3^rd. Polish, Russian and German dancers also participated in the championships, making it a very challenging competition.

 Later this month, the couple will be travelling to Manchester, UK where they will participate in the first major championships in wheelchair dancing to be held in England. With the results that Steve and Mandy are obtaining it is hoped that the couple will be able to compete in all the major competitions being held in the latter part of 2011.

 Anybody in a wheelchair who is interested in dancing should contact the MWDA 99020324 or 99864110. Email: maltawda@yahoo.co.uk. The Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association would like to thank their sponsors including KMS, International Dance Shoes & De La Rue. Any person or any organisation that would like to help the couple are invited to contact the association.

Kellogg’s sponsors KMS

Kellogg’s extends its sponsorship to KMS Summer on the Move

Kellogg’s extends its sponsorship to KMS Summer on the Move

Kellogg’s, the world’s leading producer of breakfast cereals, is extending its sponsorship to the Kunsill Malti għall-iSports (KMS) programme ‘Summer on the Move’. This is the first time that Kellogg’s is sponsoring the KMS summer programme.

The popular and successful ‘Summer on the Move’ programme is open for children and youngsters between 4 and 16 years and also for adults.  The programme is packed with activities including swimming lessons and indoor games.

The Adventure Programme is a favourite amongst the upcoming youngsters between 13 to 16 years providing an opportunity to experience unusual but fun activities such as kayaking, beach games, trekking, treasure hunts and orienteering, amongst others. Sessions are run by qualified coaches and trainers who encourage each participant to develop their skills in every activity engaged.

“As a health conscious food company, with over a 100 years heritage in nutrition leadership, we focus on programmes that target both nutrition and physical activities. Through this sponsorship, Kellogg’s is actively contributing towards the overall enhancement and success of KMS ‘Summer on the move’ and to healthier generations,” said Kellogg’s spokesperson in Malta. 

“KMS is proud that Kellogg’s, a company that enjoys global recognition and that it has extended its sponsorship to one of our summer programmes. Thanks to this sponsorship, KMS is offering children a vast range of physical activities to remain in training as well as occupied during the summer months,” said KMS Chief Executive Mr. Grima.

The application form and a full schedule of The Summer on the Move Programme is available on www.sportmalta.org.mt or can be obtained by sending an email request to programmes@sportmalta.org.mt. Registrations and payments may also be effected online. 

BIKE RIDE

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) together with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) are organising a BIKE RIDE in memory of Clifford

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) together with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) are organising a BIKE RIDE in memory of Clifford James Micallef (Second Anniversary) on Sunday, 24^th July 2011- 9:00am Sliema Ferries (Car Park)

Cliff Micallef, 45 of Swieqi, was an experienced cyclist who was responsible for tackling mechanical problems encountered by the LifeCycle team. Tragically on the 30th July 2009, Cliff, a father of three, died on the spot when he was hit by a car on the coast road. He had been training for the LifeCycle Challenge ‘Istanbul to Damascus’ to raise funds for the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital.

The cycling fraternity along with Cliff’s wife Shirley, his three Children and all his family, friends and the Life Cycle Team will be coming together in his memoryon Sunday, 24^th July 2011. A bike ride is being organised in memory of Clifford James Micallef on the second anniversary of his demise (1964-2009) by theKunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) in collaboration with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF).   The general public are also invited to come along (no payment). Those persons interested in participating are to get their own bike and helmet.

Registration takes place at 8.30 a.m and Cliff’s memorial bike ride will start at 9.00a.m. and will start from and finish at theSliema Ferries (Car Park).  The route will take riders along the Gzira seafront, towards Msida through Ta’ Xbiex. From Msida head towards Valley Road, B’Kara, Naxxar Road, roundabout Bathroom Design, B’Kara Bypass, University roundabout (Skate Park),  Msida, Rue D’Argens (near Msida Police Station) turning towards Paul & Rocco Petrol Station to reach the Gzira seafront and return to Sliema Ferries.

Pick up points will also be set up along the way for younger and less experienced riders and these include: 9.15a.m. Msida (Police Station area), 9.30a.m. Bathroom Design, 9.45a.m. University roundabout and 10.00a.m. Gzira Stadium. The bike ride should finish around 10.15am.

Full safety measures will be taken during this bike ride.  All cyclists are required to wear a helmet and stay with the group; apart from a lead car there are also back up teams, traffic police and an ambulance on standby following the group.

For further information, visit www.sportmalta.org.mt or http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68642796816&v=wall or send an email to ellis_30@hotmail.com.

GSSE Liechtenstein 2011

As Chairman and also on behalf of the KMS Board of Directors, I wish to put forth the very best of luck

26^th May 2011                                                                                                                                   

14th Games of the Small States of Europe – Liechtenstein 2011

As Chairman and also on behalf of the KMS Board of Directors, I wish to put forth the very best of luck to the Malta Olympic Committee, National Sport Federation officials and all the competing athletes who will be representing Malta in the forthcoming Games of the Small States of Europe next week in Liechtenstein.

We are sure that the best effort has been made in the build up to these Games and Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is proud to have assisted consistently, directly either to the MOC or to the National Sport Federations, in the development and preparation of the athletes.

We firmly believe that there are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. In this regard, we yearn that each Malta athlete primarily puts in the maximum concentration and effort next week, whatever the outcome of each competition and without unnecessary pressure, and be worthy ambassadors for their sport and our country.

Kind Regards,

Bernard Vassallo

Chairman

Head Office

                                                                KMS Cottonera Sports Complex, Cottonera Avenue, Cospicua BML 9020 – Malta

                                                                                                                                Tel: 21660647/8- Fax: 21660652

                                                                                                                 Email: kms@sportmalta.org.mt  - www.sportmalta.org.mt

For a healthy lifestyle

Today Kunsill Malti għall-iSport can easily boast that it organises the biggest summer school on the Island, offering a variety of sport activities from outdoor to indoor sport.

KELLOGG’S THE OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF SUMMER ON THE MOVE 2011

Today Kunsill Malti għall-iSport can easily boast that it organises the biggest summer school on the Island, offering a variety of sport activities from outdoor to indoor sport.   This year Kellogg’s has come on board and will be supporting Kunsill Malti għall-iSport in Summer on the Move.  Kellogg’s will be helping our children to follow a healthy lifestyle and, hopefully, develop a liking for a particular sport.   This year the programme will offer new sport such as Canoeing, which is being offered at Msida Creek for the first time this year.  In addition the sessions are very flexible, making the project elastic enough to fit around any parents’ working times.  This means that parents can choose any days during the week that fit to their schedule, thus keeping their children occupied for the whole morning.

The Registrations for Summer on the Move are now open – So hurry as registration are on First-Come-First-Served Basis.

SUMMER ON THE MOVE:
         

ACTIVE YOUNGSTERS:
         

Summer on the Move 2011

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is launching the Summer on the Move 2011 Sport Programmes with the aim of providing opportunities for youngsters and adults to actively participate in various programmes throughout the summer period, from 11th July to 2nd September.

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport Launches Summer on the Move 2011 Programmes

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is launching the Summer on the Move 2011 Sport Programmes with the aim of providing opportunities for youngsters and adults to actively participate in various programmes throughout the summer period, from 11th July to 2nd September.

Summer on the Move sessions include daily morning programmes that cater for different ages from 4 years of age, up to adult fitness sessions which are meant to provide parents the opportunity of engaging in physical exercise while waiting for their children to finish their session.  This family oriented measure together with family packages special prices, helps disseminate a healthier sport culture in Maltese parents and their children.

The ‘Active Youngsters’ programme offers youngsters between the ages of 9 years and 16 years the opportunity to spend their summer evenings practicing a new or favourite sport from a wide choice of disciplines including: Football, Modern Dance, Handball, Netball, Educational Karate, Volleyball, Rugby and Basketball.   Sport Buzz is also offered in the afternoon together with Canoeing which after popular request, is being introduced for the first time this year.  Furthermore the Adventure programme sessions for youngsters between 13 and 16 years of age will now be offered on a 2-day-per-week programme, offering the opportunity for these youths to focus as well on theory.

Venues include Cottonera Sports Complex, Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex (National Swimming Pool and University Sports Hall), Sailing Sessions near Haywharf and Pretty Bay, B’Bugia, Canoeing at Msida Creek and Adventure sessions at various localities.

A full schedule of programme, application forms and an online registration facility are available:

SUMMER ON THE MOVE:
         

ACTIVE YOUNGSTERS:
         

Skolasport End of Year

KMS Skolasport End of Year Manifestation is a chance for all KMS participants to show off all that has been learnt throughout the year

KMS SKOLASPORT will be organising the end of year event at the Cottonera Sport Complex on Friday 27th May 2011.  Girls On The Move and Skolasport participants will be participating in this event, performing dance and gymnastics routines. The event will be taking place between 5.45pm and 7.30pm. A detailed schedule of the evening may be seen below:

Pre Equestrian Festival

A very successful First Pre-Equestrian Festival Road Show.

The First Pre Equestrian Festival Road Show

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport in collaboration with the Malta Racing Club, the Malta Equestrian Federation and the Malta Polo Club shall be hosting the second edition of the Equestrian Festival, on Sunday, 5th June 2011, at the Marsa Horse Racing Track. The festival will offer a full day of activities, from 7:00am till 6pm, for the general public. It will act as a unique platform to bring together and promote the various Equestrian disciplines, providing also the thousands of enthusiasts with an opportunity of experiencing a day’s activity around horses and riders.

This year the Equestrian Festival will feature novelties, the first of which is a pre event that the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport hosted on Thursday 19th may 2011 at the Marsa Racing Track from 09:30 – till 11:15. Thousands of students attended a morning event during which they, amongst other things  experienced a Gymkhana – a fun activity with games on horseback, that had young talented riders together with their horses as the protagonists.

The highlight of the equestrian road show was the Double Trap Shooting Sport World Champion William Chetcuti who conducted a question and answer session with the students as well as a photograph and autograph session.

The activity also featured other young Maltese sporting talents including the BMX team that put on a spectacular live display for the students attending, who in turn also engaged in a Zumba session.   During the course of the equestrian festival road show, a pony race was organised as fun activity that even gave the opportunity for a few students to ride along side a professional jockey in a race.

Yoga Sports Festival

Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport organized the first ever Yoga Sports Festival

Yoga Sports Festival

Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport organized the first ever Yoga Sports Festival at the Cottonera Sports Complex today Thursday 19^thMay 2011. The aim of this festival was to raise awareness about Yoga for children and the various benefits attached to this lifestyle practice. Year 2 students from the Santa Margerita College (Xaghrja, Zabbar, Birgu, Isla, Bormla, Kalkara) took part in this non- competitive and fun filled activity. The yoga session was conducted by Esther Azzopardi.

Portable Pool Lift

Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS) has just installed a portable pool lift, the first of its kind to be installed in Malta

Disabled swimmers to benefit from a Portable Pool Lift at the National Pool
 
Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS) has just installed a portable pool lift, the first of its kind to be
installed in Malta, at the National Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq. This initiative is part of KMS’s
programme of upgrading and providing facilities that offers sporting opportunities to all, irrelevant
of age and ability.
 
The portable pool lift, which is battery operated, requires no mounting to the pool deck and adheres
to strict safety regulations. The entire structure is made of steel for strength and outdoor durability.
The operational system is simple and works at the touch of a button; for added safety it has a
shoulder and lap strap. The lift can be used by the user independently or with the guidance from a
staff member. The lift allows the user to be lowered slowly into the pool where he or she can easily
alight from the chair and swim freely.
 
Swimming is an important sport activity especially for those who have mobility problems; the main
difficulties for such persons mainly lies in ‘accessibility’ issues -getting in or out of a pool. Not
everyone but many handicapped and elderly persons can easily do swimming, as exercising in water
allows greater freedom of movement and brings about a therapeutic effect. With the introduction of
a new portable pool lift, people with mobility issues will be facilitated. The KMS hopes that disabled
persons or people with mobility problems will be encouraged by this move and will be motivated to
take up and enjoy the benefits of swimming. For more information about the National Pool Complex
(NPC) and the various membership packages in place, contact the NPC on 21318251/2 or send an
email to swimpool@sportmalta.org.mt

Skolasport kayaking

Top canoeing athlete Christopher Camilleri shares experience with young kayakers

Top canoeing athlete shares experience with young kayakers

Top canoeing athlete Christopher Camilleri shared some winning tips and techniques with the children taking part in a kayaking session organized by KMS SkolaSport and sponsored by Kellogg’s.

A Sportiv tas-Sena 2010 finalist, Mr Camilleri is a well known name in the canoeing and kayaking circle. Mr Camilleri participated in various international races the latest being the Dubai Shamaal surfski race in 2010 in which he placed 45^th out of 170 athletes hailing from 26 countries around the world. As President of the Malta Canoeing Racing Club (MCRC), Mr Camilleri actively seeks to promote sports for all ages, as a way of life, and since MCRC partakes in the KMS SkolaSport activities, children’s events are seen as the way forward.

“Canoeing and kayaking are an ideal and safe way to introduce children to sea related sports,” said Mr Camilleri “it is true that you will have that odd dip every now and then, but that’s part of the fun!”

Canoeing and kayaking besides being a low impact activity, since paddling offers little friction, can also improve one’s aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Specific health benefits include, improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle, and increased torso and leg strength, as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and by applying pressure with the legs.

“Kayaking and canoeing can be peaceful and meditative, the rhythmic movement of the arms creates an almost hypnotic effect,” added Mr Camilleri, “the fact that one can enjoy and experience the beautiful sea spaces only helps in making the sport even more attractive.” 

KMS SkolaSport is organised by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and is sponsored by Kellogg’s, the world’s leading producer of breakfast cereal, for the twelfth consecutive year as part of its commitment to promote the benefits of a balanced diet, coupled with an active and healthy lifestyle.

For further information about canoeing, as well as any other sport discipline practiced at the KMS SkolaSport, kindly contact the Programmes Section at the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport Head Office either on tel. 21660658/9, via e-mail: programmes@sportsmalta.org.mt or visit the KMS website: www.sportsmalta.org.mt.

New KMS Website Unveiled

Clear, direct communication and an improved user-friendly website interface make it easier for visitors to find information, and provides greater online accessability to improved services.

The Kunsill Malti għall-iSport launched the new KMS Website, which can be accessed at www.sportmalta.org.mt, providing increased functionality and navigability for visitors.

“Clear, direct communication and an improved user-friendly website interface make it easier for visitors to find information, and provides greater online accessability to improved services. Visitors are immediately greeted by a home page, highlighting the latest news, and user friendly menus help online users browse through the website and its functions easily” said Bernard Vassallo, Chairman of Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, today while officially unveiling the website at www.sportmalta.org.mt.

The new KMS Website boasts of a fresher look and an array of new services for all online users and visitors.  Apart from the daily updated news,  www.sportmalta.org.mt offers a direct means of accessing information about all the services, programmes, academies, assistance schemes and facilities offered by Kunsill Malti għall-iSport.  Moreover it now provides users the opportunity to register and pay online for the various sport programmes and assistance schemes that KMS offers.  The section Working with KMS also features online application forms for advertised job vacancies with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport whilst a totally new section on the website provides the opportunity to gain information and even make on-line payments for KMS Tenders or submit Quotations.

Another added useful feature now present in the new website is the online directory, enriched with relevant contact details of all sport entities registed with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport together with a regularly updated calendar, not only of KMS events but also of events organised by all KMS registered entities.  More information about different sport and events can be retreived through the media on-demand feature available on the website, which is a showcase of all the past edititions of the TV progamme KMS Sportlink, which is aired on TVM every Tuesday at 17:30.  Moreover all press releases, video clips and any other media produced by KMS will now be accessible online for all.

William Chetcuti

Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport congratulate local shooter William Chetcuti for his wonderful feat in placing first in the ISSF World Cup shoot today and even winning a spot in the London 2012 Olympics. KMS is proud that Chetcuti, who is a KMS employee and has been benefitting fully from a KMS scheme to train full time since 2005, has again achieved a formidable result. Well done also goes to the Malta Shooting Sports Federation (MSSF).

Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport congratulate local shooter William Chetcuti for his wonderful feat in placing first in the ISSF World Cup shoot today and even winning a spot in the London 2012 Olympics.

KMS is proud that Chetcuti, who is a KMS employee and has been benefitting fully from a KMS scheme to train full time since 2005, has again achieved a formidable result.

Well done also goes to the Malta Shooting Sports Federation (MSSF).

Three new sports schemes

Three schemes aimed at incentivising sport in our country were launched today by the Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment, Tonio Fenech and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli at a press conference held at Ħandaq School, St. Ignatius College, For these schemes the sum of €450,000 have been allocated. These three schemes announced in the Budget 2011 are: 20/20 scheme for private sector workers sportsmen, the scheme of Grants for Purchase of Sports Equipment and Bicycle scheme.

Three new sports schemes: 20/20 scheme extended to the private sector, grant scheme on purchase of sports equipment and renewal of the bicycle scheme 

Three schemes aimed at incentivising sport in our country were launched today by the Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment, Tonio Fenech and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli at a press conference held at Ħandaq School, St. Ignatius College, For these schemes the sum of €450,000 have been allocated. These three schemes announced in the Budget 2011 are: 20/20 scheme for private sector workers sportsmen, the scheme of Grants for Purchase of Sports Equipment and Bicycle scheme.

The first scheme launched today is the 20/20 scheme for the private sector workers whereby national and upcoming sportsmen are given the opportunity to work 20 hours per week and 20 hours of training in their sport. This scheme is already in place for public sector workers. This will be done by creating a €100,000 fund for sports workers who choose to reduce the working week to train them in their sport. This fund will increased by €50,000 for the year of the GSSE games, like this year.

Another scheme that was launched today is the scheme of Grants for Purchase of Sports Equipment where sports clubs will be reimbursed for 15.25% on the cost of sports equipment purchased by all sports organizations registered with the KMS. This fund will be amounting to a quarter of a million euros.

Also announced is a one-off grant scheme of 15.25% on purchases of bicycles. This scheme was announced as a pilot scheme in 2008. A total of 1,920 benifited from this scheme that totaled to €73,000. For this scheme the sum of €50,000 has been allocated.

In his speech the Hon. Puli stated that this is another link in the chain of aid that the Government is giving to strengthen sport in our country. He stressed that the Government is investing in sports because it believes in the strength of its value to a society as a means of education and raising awerness for active citizenship.

AFM Sports Scheme Launched

The AFM Sports Scheme is a Government initiative taken up by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport through the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) and in consultation with the Armed Forces of Malta(AFM).

AFM SPORTS SCHEME LAUNCH

The AFM Sports Scheme is a Government initiative taken up by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport through the Kunsill Malti għall-Isport (KMS) and in consultation with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).  Following several very productive meetings between the KMS and the AFM in 2010, a policy document was produced, the main essence being the opportunity for a limited number of high performance athletes to enter the Force as regular soldiers and to have their specific sport training considered as an integral part of their work.  This will naturally apply also to top level athletes already in the Force.  With respect to external applicants, the age bracket is 18 < 30.  A high performance athlete denotes athletes who have recently represented Malta in major Games be they Youth or Senior Games, or represented Malta at European or Continental Championships in their sport.

The Scheme offers benefits both for the AFM and the athletes.  With the AFM having joined the International Military Sports Council, CISM, three years ago, this will allow the AFM to be competitive in CISM events while affording more opportunities for competition abroad to soldier athletes on the Scheme.   The AFM will benefit from the specialist skills which these soldier athletes can pass on to their AFM counterparts and on their part, the soldier athletes will be guaranteed a career path in the AFM ahead of them.

The selection process will involve a specific call for applications.  The KMS will inform the National Sports Organisations (NSO) who, in turn, will nominate suitable candidates who opt to partake in the Scheme.  The applicants will be vetted by the KMS and once deemed acceptable on sporting grounds, they will be referred to the Exams department for vetting of basic qualifications.  Finally an interviewing board will assess their suitability to enter the AFM as regular soldiers.  Successful applicants will sign the contract associated with the Scheme and the attestation form applicable to any new soldier recruit.

There will be two levels within the Scheme.  All selected soldier athletes will enter at level one.  They will be posted at the AFM Sports Section within the AFM Training School and be required to report to Barracks for twenty hours a week.  At any point following the initial period of military training, level One athletes who are successful on an international level may be upgraded through an application provided by the KMS through the NSO.  These individuals will only be required to report to Barracks up to eight hours per week.  

Soldier athletes on the Scheme will benefit from the same conditions of Service as any other regular soldier.  They will be given opportunities to develop their military career alongside their sporting career.  Once they leave the Scheme, they will continue to serve in the Force as regular soldiers.  Their basic, initial military training, although mandatory, will insofar as possible not impede the individuals’ sporting programme.

The Scheme incorporates the setting up of a Sports Section within the AFM where the Staff will administer the soldier athletes during their period in Barracks and will liaise with the athletes’ coaches, NSO and KSU.

The Agreement shall be valid and effective for five years, renewable by a further five years depending on circumstances and agreement by both parties.

Free Community Bike Rides

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) in collaboration with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) will be organising TWO free community bike rides this weekend.

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) in collaboration with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) will be organising TWO free community bike rides this weekend. On Saturday, 9th April starting at 13:30hrs (registration at 13:00hrs), the first bike ride will start from near the Gozo Horse Track, Nadur and will finish at the Gozo Ferry Terminal, Mgarr. The second bike ride will take place on Sunday, 10th April starting at 11.30hrs (registration: 11.00hrs) and will start from the end of Zebbug By-Pass/Rabat to finish in Sliema (Ferries Car Park). The route will take riders along the Rabat Road passing through Attard, Hamrun, Blata-l-Bajda, turning towards Pieta then passing through Msida and heading towards Sliema front (from near Paul & Rocco Petrol Station, Gzira). Participants will then ride along the Sliema front to the finish line at Sliema (Ferries Car Park). Three pick up point for younger riders will be set up as follows - Pickup Point 1: Blata l-Bajda (next to Peogeot Showroom) at 11.45hrs, Pickup Point 2: Msida at 12.00hrs and Pickup Point 3 (GOM): Paul & Rocco at 12.15hrs. The bike ride should finish around 1pm.

Cyclists should note that the routes are not circular and will need to make arrangements to return to their cars. If it is your first time riding with us, arrive about 15 minutes early to ensure all in order. Full safety measures are taken during all bike rides.  All cyclists are required to wear a helmet and stay with the group; apart from a lead car there are also back up teams, traffic police and an ambulance on standby following the group. Water will also be distributed free of charge. Through these bike rides, the KMS continues its endeavour to provide opportunities to encourage and enhance sport participation among all members of society. For further information, contact Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) on tel. 21660658 or send an e-mail to communications@sportmalta.org.mt.

Download Routes:

Nadur - Mgarr, Gozo, Route outline click here

Zebbug - Sliema, Route outline click here

Regatta: 31 March Results

The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. As of March 2010 the organising of these events were passed under the portfolio of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports and the Malta Sports Council (KMS-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport). The results of the 31st March Regatta are:

Race 1 (Category B) Dghajjes C (Tal-Pass)

First Place: Senglea (Steve Bonello David Buhagiar) Lane 4. Finish Time: 1 (7min 10 secs)
Second Place: Birzebbugia (Joseph Cremona, Peter Cremona) Lane 2
Third Place: Marsamxett (Edward Ferriggi, Alfred Cuschieri) Lane 3
Did not Finish: Bormla (David Aquilina , Jimmy Falzon) Lane 7 and Kalkara (Francesco Psaila, Mathew Micallef) Lane 2
Disqualified: Marsa (Clive Casha, Joseph Debono), Birgu (Franco Scicluna, Loran Zarb) Lane 5 

Race 2 (Category Open) Dghajjes A Tal-Medalji

First Place: Senglea (Rhys Fiteni, Lawrence Ciantar, Clayton Darmanin, Donald Gilford) Lane 5. Finish time: 1 (5 mins 10 secs)
Second place: Bormla (Melchior Farrugia, George Frendo, Dimitri Gordin, Ryan Refalo) Lane 2
Third Place: Marsa (Jurgen Camilleri, Christian Camilleri, Redeemer Rapa, Adrian Schembri) Lane 1
Fourth place: Birgu (Dylan Portelli, Joshua Lagana, Kieran Zammit, Clyde Aquilina) Lane 3
Fifth place: Kalkara (Roderick Briffa, William Mifsud, Kurt Vassallo, Charles Gauci) Lane 7
Sixth place: Marsamxett (Ivan Farrugia, William Brydon, Sandro Zammit, Clint Mizzi) Lane 6
Did not finish: Birzebbugia (Edward Portelli, Simon Vella, Redent Bonello, Ryan Degiorgio) Lane 4

Race 3 (Category B) Kajjikki

First place: Marsamxett (Louis Bonello, Clifford Curmi) Lane 4. Finish time: 1 (7 mins 16secs)
Second place: Bormla (Sven Refalo, Glen Bonello) Lane 2
Third place: Birzebbugia (Ryan Degiorgio, Alan Meli) Lane 1
Fourth place: Senglea (Kevin Mifsud, Frans Degiorgio) Lane 6
Fifth place: Kalkara (Christopher Galea, George Grech) Lane 5
Sixth place: Birgu (Jonathan Gauci, Lucas Grima) Lane 7
Seventh place: Marsa (Jurgen Attard, Darren Attard) Lane 3

Race 4 (Category Open ) Frejgatini

First place: Kalkara (William Mifsud, Mariano Rodriguez, Lawrence Colton) Lane 4. Finish time: 1 (7mins 30 secs)
Second place: Senglea (Christian Aquilina, Gilmour Zammit, Ghiller Wesley) Lane 6
Third place: Bormla (George Frendo, Ronnie Zammit, Dena Agius) Lane 3
Fourth place: Marsa (Kurt Aqulina, Clifton Camilleri, Nikovic Chircop) Lane 2
Fifth place: Birgu (Charles Cachia, Ailer Azzopardi, Kieran Zammit) Lane 7
Sixth place: Marsamxett (Jean Paul Lia, Ivan Farrugia, Reeves Cini) Lane 1
Did not finish: Birzebbugia (Kevin Attard, Alex Camilleri, Rodney Pepe) Lane 5

Race 5 (Category B) Dghajjes A (Tal-Pass) Tal-Medalji 

First place: Senglea (Glenn Brincat, Ian Tanti, Timmy Thomas, Johan Attard) Lane 2.  Finish time: (5 mins 15 secs)
Second place: Marsamxett (Gino Viacava, Marlon Cutajar, Clifford Curmi, Jesmond Debattista) Lane 4
Third place: Bormla (Melchior Farrugia, Glen Bonello, Sven Refalo, Josef Dalli) Lane 5
Fourth place: Marsa (Gilbert Savona, Sheldon Micallef, Mevrik Sultana, Dominic Grima) Lane 7
Fifth place: Kalkara (Christopher Galea, Jonathan Falzon, Christain Farrugia, Anton Piscopo) Lane 6
Did not finish: Birzebbugia (Keith Gilford, Alan Meli, Joseph Cremona, Peter Cremona) Lane 3
Disqualified: Birgu (Waylan Grech, Lawrence Mizzi, Justin Cutajar, Kurt Fiteni) Lane 1

Race 6 (Category Open) Dghajjes C (Tal-Pass)

First place: Kalkara (Noel Bugeja, Roderick Briffa) Lane 2. Finish time: 6mins 05 secs
Second place: Senglea (John Martin Mifsud, Dennis Thorton)  Lane 6
Third place: Birgu (Sandro Cohen, Dylan Portelli) Lane 1
Fourth place: Bormla (Clayton Debono, Dimitri Gordin) Lane 5
Fifth place: Marsa (Adrian Schembri, Redmeer Zammit) Lane 7
Sixth place: Marsamxett (Sandro Zammit, Ryan Zammit) Lane 3
Seventh place: Birzebbugia (Raphael Degiorgio, Clinton Aquilina) Lane 4

Race 7 (Category B) Frejgatini

First place: Senglea (Glenn Brincat, Delon Wilson, Frans Degorgio) Lane 1. Finish time: 7 mins 42 secs
Secondplace: Marsamxett(Gino Viacava, Lee Pendy) Lane 7
Third place: Bormla (Melchior Farrugia, Glen Bonello, Alnyl Bonello) Lane 6
Fourth place: Kalkara (George Grech, Sacha Attard, Lawrence Colton) Lane 4
Fith place: Birzebbugia (Alex Camilleri, Ryan Degiorgio, Brandon Gouder) Lane 2
Sixth place: Birgu (Ailer Azzopardi, Duncan Zammit, Myles Portelli) Lane 3
Seventh Place: Marsa (Elton Azzopardi, Mevric Sultana, Brandon Cassar) Lane 5

Race 8 (Category Open) Kajjikki

First place: senglea (Gilmour Zammit, Donald Gilford) Lane 6. Finish time: 6mins 47 secs
Second place: Bormla (Charlton Abela, Maximillon Mamo) Lane 7
Third place: Kalkara (Kurt Vassallo, Mariano Rodriguez) Lane 2
Fourth place: Marsa (Marquette Larken, Clifton Camilleri) Lane 3
Fifth place: Birzebbugia (Redent Bonello, Roderick Mallia) Lane 1
Sixth place: Marsamxett (Clint Mizzi, Andre Gauci) Lane 5
Did not finish: Birgu (Charles Cachia, Manuel Magro) Lane 4

Race 9 (Category B) Dghajjes B (Tal-Pass)

First place: Senglea (Joseph Pace, Ian Tanti, Johan Attard, Timmy Thomas) Lane 2. Finish time: 6 mins 51 secs
Second place: Birgu (Lawrence Mizzi, Loran Zarb, Kurt Fiteni, Waylon Grech) Lane 1
Third place: Marsamxett (Louis Bonello, Edward Ferriggi, Alfred Suschieri, Jesmond Debattista) Lane 5
Fourth place: Marsa (Clive Casha, Joseph Debono, Elon Azzopardi, Huan Carlos Debattista) Lane 3
Fifth place: Birzebbugia (Keith Gilford, Alan Meli, Joseph Cremona, Peter Cremona) Lane 5
Sixth place: Kalkara (Francesco Psaila, Jonathan Falzon, Sacha Attard, Mathew Micallef) Lane 6
Seventh place: Bormla (Lino Fabri, Jimmy Falzon, David Aquilina, Joseph Dalli) Lane 7

Race 10 (Category Open) Dghajjes C (Tal-Pass)

First place: Senglea (Donald Gilford, Lawrence Ciantar, Clayton Darmanin, Rhys Fiteni) Lane 2. Finish Time: 5 mins 34 secs
Second place: Bormla (Maximillon Mamo, Charlton Abela, Kevin Grima, Rayan Refalo)  Lane 7
Third place: Marsa (Jurgen Camilleri, Redeemer Rapa, Adrian Schembri, Redmeer Zammit) Lane 5
Fourth place: Kalkara (Noel Bugeja, Roderick Briffa, William Mifsud, Kurt Vassallo) Lane 6
Fifth place: Birgu (Elvin Ciantar, Joshua Lagana, Dylan Portelli, Clyde Aquilina) Lane 1
Sixth place: Birzebbugia (Simon Vella, Clinton Aquilina, Redent Bonello, Raphael Degiorgio) Lane 3
Seventh place: Marsamxett (Dejan Viacava, Juan Farrugia, Clint Mizzi, Claudio Azzopardi) Lane 4 

AGGREGRATE SHIELD Scores:

Category A (Open)

Category B

Regatta: 31st March

The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. As of March 2010 the organising of these events were passed under the portfolio of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports and the Malta Sports Council (KMS-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport).

Regatta: 31st March (Freedom Day)

The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. As of March 2010 the organising of these events were passed under the portfolio of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports and the Malta Sports Council (KMS-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport). Details about the Freedom Day Regatta were given during a media conference addressed by Mr. Bernard Vassallo, Chairman, Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, and members of the KMS Regatta Organising Committee including Ms. Margaret Mercieca, Mr. Pierre Camilleri, and Mr. Sinclair Cassar.

The programme is expected to start at 1pm and will offer four to five hours of spectacle, with the best crews forming part of the rowing teams from the cities bordering the Grand Harbour, including Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett (Valletta), Senglea, Vittoriosa and also Birzebbuga, will participate in 10 races under two different categories using typical traditional Maltese boats like the ‘frejgatini’, ‘kajjikki’ and ‘dghajjes tal-pass and tal-midalji’. These boats were traditionally normal working watercraft which plied the local harbour. Over the years these boats have evolved into racing craft with certain modifications. These are also examined and weighed before the start of and end of the races. The first three placings in each race are awarded a number of points and at the end of the Regatta, the club with the highest number of points, in the respective categories, is presented with the Aggregrate Shield.

In the past small flags in different colours were tied to the forestems of racing boats for purposes of recognition. The colours were allotted by the Collector of Customs. Colours have changed considerably over the years. Today the clubs can be recognised by their traditional colours which include Birzebbuga (Red-White-Blue), Cospicua (Light Blue), Kalkara (Green), Marsa (Red-Blue), Marsamxett (Valletta) (Yellow), Senglea (Red-Yellow), and Vittoriosa (Red).

The 1,040 mtr race course is set up in the Valletta Grand Harbour where the magnificent Fort St Angelo provides an imposing backdrop to the sleek and colourful Maltese boats. It is expected that a good crowd of spectators and supporters will converge along the waterfront and the surrounding bastions to watch the races, which is sure to be a colourful and spectacular event worth watching. The races can be viewed from the water edge of the three cities (Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea) or Valletta and are expected to finish at 6pm. For this occasion, Pinto Wharf 4 and 5 on the Valletta side is open to the general public.

WATCH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO FEATURE on the History of the Regatta produced for KMS SportsLink. Ctrl + Click on image below to watch.

Download:

Poster

Programme

Race Start List

Regatta Rules & Regulations

Fair Play in Schools Awards

The KMS Sport Promotion Unit is launching the “Fair Play in Schools Awards” aimed at increasing awareness and developing a culture of fair play.

KMS launch Fair Play in Schools Awards

The KMS Sport Promotion Unit is launching the “Fair Play in Schools Awards” aimed at increasing awareness and developing a culture of fair play. 

Fair play should always be at the forefront of sport as it is one of the core principles of any sport discipline. Kunsill Malti għall-iSport believes that our youngsters, from a young age, need to acquire firm values such as respect, discipline, solidarity and tolerance.

These new honours will be awarded on the basis of the athletes’ and officials’ attitude whilst participating in the various sports activities organised by the KMS Sport Promotion Unit throughout the 2010/2011 scholastic year within a large number of local primary and secondary schools.

The first of ten KMS Fair Play Shields donated by Mr Louis Borg as FISEC Bureau member, will be presented at the end of the seven Inter-School Festivals, open to all schools and covering an assortment of sport disciplines such as basketball, futsal, handball, rugby and volleyball, which are currently taking place. 

The KMS Promotion Unit will also be engaged to deliver a number of talks within schools on the importance, meaning and values of Fair Play in sport and life.

Swimming Academy Launched

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is expanding its recently established KMS Sport Academy. The objective of the KMS Sport Academy is to serve as a centre of sporting excellence, making use of the KMS facilities, qualified staff and international links to provide a unique experience of sport and to provide a platform for those who want to achieve high level success in the competitive arena of sports. It is directed at those who want to perform at the top levels and possibly compete internationally and take sport professionally.

KMS Swimming Academy Launched

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport is expanding its recently established KMS Sport Academy. The objective of the KMS Sport Academy is to serve as a centre of sporting excellence, making use of the KMS facilities, qualified staff and international links to provide a unique experience of sport and to provide a platform for those who want to achieve high level success in the competitive arena of sports. It is directed at those who want to perform at the top levels and possibly compete internationally and take sport professionally.

Following the successful launch of the KMS Goalkeepers’ Academy in October 2010, KMS is now launching the KMS Swimming Academy under the guidance of Head Coach Renzo Galea. This academy will be a platform through which swimmers will be coached to reach the following targets, namely to:

a)      develop correct swimming techniques;
b)      achieve competitive times in the various swimming strokes; and
c)       compete in time trials organised by the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta.

Sessions will be held at the national swimming pool situated within the KMS Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4pm and 5pm. 

Applications, for children aged 5 to 16 years are now open. The fee per term is set at €75 for each participant. Further information about the KMS Swimming Academy can be obtained from the Programmes Section at the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport Head Office on tel. 21660658/9 or via e-mail: programmes@sportsmalta.org.mt. Online applications can be made at following link: https://kms.litedev.net/payments/49

FREE sports activities

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport are offering all children between the ages of 6 and 10 years, from the Cottonera area (including localities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea, Kalkara and Zabbar) FREE sport activities.

KMS offers FREE sports activities for children from the Cottonera Area

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport are offering all children between the ages of 6 and 10 years, from the Cottonera area (including localities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea, Kalkara and Zabbar) FREE sport activities. This programme commonly known as SportsBuzz, is a 10-week programme providing weekly sessions every Wednesday between 5pm and 6.30pm at the Cottonera Sports Complex. SportsBuzz will start on Wednesday, 23^rd March and applications are now open and are being received.

SportsBuzz offers a variety of free sports for both boys and girls giving them the opportunity to participate in multi-sport taster sessions in a safe and secure environment. These can include Football, Basketball, Handball, Netball, Dancing, Rugby, Gymnastics, Judo/Martial Arts, fun games and much more. All coaches working in the ‘SportsBuzz’ programme are qualified in their respective sport.

Apart from experiencing a variety of sport activities the real and potential benefits that children will gain through taking up physical activity and sport are both physical and mental. Children participating can have fun, make new friends, build their confidence and self esteem in order to develop a positive attitude towards life, whilst generating the mentality of leading a healthy lifestyle through sports.

KMS offers this programme as part of its aim to instigate a sport culture and exercise in general, into our children’s lives and increase the levels of participation, including specifically from the Cottenera Area. KMS believes that Sport is an important contributor to the health and well-being of the population. It is not only a powerful means of promoting health, but also a means of building social capital and related benefits, including education, youth development, social inclusion, crime prevention and economic development.   Further information about this programme can be obtained from  the Programmes Section at the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport Head Office on tel. 21660658/9 or via e-mail: programmes@sportsmalta.org.mt.

Apply online:

31st March Regatta

The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. Seven clubs from the surrounding harbour cities compete in 10 races under two different categories using typical traditional Maltese boats like the ‘frejgatini’, ‘kajjikki’ and ‘dghajjes tal-pass and tal-midalji’. The clubs can be recognised by their traditional colours which include Birzebbuga (Red-White-Blue), Cospicua (Light Blue), Kalkara (Green), Marsa (Red-Blue), Marsamxett (Valletta) (Yellow), Senglea (Red-Yellow), and Vittoriosa (Red).

The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. Seven clubs from the surrounding harbour cities compete in 10 races under two different categories using typical traditional Maltese boats like the ‘frejgatini’, ‘kajjikki’ and ‘dghajjes tal-pass and tal-midalji’. The clubs can be recognised by their traditional colours which include Birzebbuga (Red-White-Blue), Cospicua (Light Blue), Kalkara (Green), Marsa (Red-Blue), Marsamxett (Valletta) (Yellow), Senglea (Red-Yellow), and Vittoriosa (Red).

The 1,040 mtr race course is set up in the Valletta Grand Harbour with the start line located across the harbour at the New Quay (Ras Hanzir) and the finishing line across the harbour at the Customs House.

The races can be viewed from the water edge of the three cities (Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea) or Valletta. For this occasion, Pinto Wharf 4 and 5 on the Valletta side is open to the general public. Races start at noon and finish at 6pm.

As of March 2010 the organising of these events were passed under the portfolio of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports and the Malta Sports Council (KMS-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport). KMS as the government entity for sports commits itself to give assistance that is fair and reasonable to different sport organisations including the Regatta Nazzjonali Malta in relation to the organising of the regatta races.

EU and Sport

A consultation session and a number of workshops co-organised by Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) and the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) on the recent European Commission’s Communication on Sport was held on 12th March, 2011 at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

KMS – MEUSAC Consultation Session: Developing the European dimension of Sport

A consultation session and a number of workshops co-organised by Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) and the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) on the recent European Commission’s Communication on Sport was held on 12^th March, 2011 at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

The aim of this activity was to discuss with National Sports Associations and Federations, registered with the KMS, the recently launched policy document titled ‘Developing the European dimension of Sport’. This policy document sets out the Commission’s ideas for EU-level action in the field of sport and raises a number of proposed actions evolving around three broad dimensions which focus on: the societal role of sport, the economic dimension of sport and the organisation of sport. Participants had the opportunity to put forward their opinion and ideas relating to local challenges in sport and how they saw how the sector needs to develop within these dimensions. The feedback and contributions made by stakeholders are then expected to be developed further and included in a report which will be put forward to the Council and the European Parliament in order to contribute to the shaping of future actions in the field of Sport. Head of MEUSAC Dr Vanni Xuereb, advised that through such consultation sessions, local stakeholders and civil society are empowered and are given the opportunity to participate actively in the EU’s legislative process, by doing so they then have a direct impact on the formulation of Malta’s position, in this particular case, on the Commission’s Communication on Sport.

In 2009-2010 the Commission provided more than €6 million to support around 40 sport projects aimed at promoting health, social inclusion, volunteering, access for the disabled, gender equality and the fight against doping. Accordingly, following the consultation session, workshops on EU funding opportunities for sport organisations also took place. Participants were acquainted to what type of sport projects can receive support and were provided with information on how to design a project and what funding opportunities are available.

Mr. Bernard Vassallo, Chairman, Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, advised that with over 300 sport entities registered with the KMS, the KMS believes that it is essential that Associations and Clubs realise the possibilities and platforms available under the EU Sport Programme; more so since the Treaty of Lisbon, Sport has become a fully-fledged policy of the European Union. As a result, we will be seeing more actions in the field of sport and other opportunities such as those of funding.

It is intended that additional sessions tackling how the EU intends to support Sport will be held by KMS and MEUSAC in the near future. For further information in this respect an email can be sent to communications@sportmalta.org.mt or alternatively consult.meusac@gov.mt

Successful Women’s Day Event

Successful Women’s Day Fitness Event with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport celebrating International Women’s Day Coinciding with the centenary of international women’s day Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) successfully organised on Women’s Day a two hour programme of health and fitness activities including Aerobics, Ballet, Yoga, Oriental Fitness which finished with all participants amounting to close to 300 women and young girls, joining together for a mass Zumba class with Pedro and Maria. Sessions were offered free of charge, and took place at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

Coinciding with the centenary of international women’s day Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) successfully organised on Women’s Day a two hour programme of health and fitness activities including Aerobics, Ballet, Yoga, Oriental Fitness which finished with all participants amounting to close to 300 women and young girls, joining together for a mass Zumba class with Pedro and Maria. Sessions were offered free of charge, and took place at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

Woman’s Day activities organised by KMS will continue throughout the week directly with a number of girls secondary schools. Activities include a Handball Tournament involving Forms 1 & 2 from the Zejtun and Pembroke Girls Junior Lyceums and Maria Assunta and Tarxien Girls Secondary Schools. An Aerobics session with Joanna Castillo Refalo with students attending the St. Andrews Girls Secondary and the Pembroke Girls Junior Lyceum and with Cynthia Debono at the Zejtun and St. Lucia Girls Junior Lyceums and the Tarxien Girls Secondary School. Other activities organised include Gymnastics with Robert De Santis at the Senglea Primary, Trekking with Janice Cachia Schembri with girls from Maria Regina Junior Lyceum, Oriental Fitness organised by Bella Schroeder at the Xghajra Primary school and Yoga with Esther Azzopardi at the Msida Primary School.

KMS encourages women and girls to actively participate in sport and looks forward to organising a similiar activity for next year’s celebrations. To find out more about what KMS offers visit our website www.sportmalta.org.mt or send an email to programmes@sportmalta.org.mt

Women’s Day Fitness Event

In line with International Women’s Day celebrated on 8th March, Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) will be promoting women’s and girl’s well-being and engagement in sport. For this occasion KMS, on this day, is putting a varied programme which will include a selection of health and fitness activities from 5pm to 7pm. These sessions are being offered free of charge, and will take place at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Not just on this day, but throughout the week, KMS will be organising other activities directly with a number of girls secondary schools.

International Women’s Day Celebrations with
Kunsill Malti għall-iSport: Women’s Day Fitness Event
Tuesday, 8th March 2011
5pm to 7pm
2011 IWD Global Centenary Year

In line with International Women’s Day celebrated on 8th March, Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) will be promoting women’s and girl’s well-being and engagement in sport. For this occasion KMS, on this day, is putting a varied programme which will include a selection of health and fitness activities from 5pm to 7pm. These sessions are being offered free of charge, and will take place at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Not just on this day, but throughout the week, KMS will be organising other activities directly with a number of girls secondary schools.

Accordingly, Kunsill Malti għall-iSport invites all women and girls, including grandmothers, mothers, and daughters to come and participate in our two hour programme. The programme will include Aerobics, Yoga or Oriental Fitness for adults, at 5pm; mummies with children can participate whilst their children can try out a session of Ballet, Yoga or Oriental Fitness. A mega Zumba event for adults and children, with Pedro and Maria, will then take place at 6pm.

PROGRAMME

5:00pm – 6:00pm

Ballet - Roxanne Gauci - For children
Yoga - Esther Azzopardi - Children & Adults
Aerobics - Johanne Castillo Refalo - For Adults
Oriental Fitness - Belle Schroeder - Children & Adults

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Zumba - Pedro and Maria - Children & Adults

So come and join us and let us celebrate in style on this special day.

About International Women’s Day

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. 2011 is the global centenary year for International Women’s Day – 100 years since the first International Women's Day event was run. More than one million women and men attended rallies in 1911.

Bike Ride: Sunday 6th March

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) in collaboration with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) will be organising the next scheduled free community bike ride this Sunday 6th March starting at 11.00 a.m. from St. Paul’s Bay (Olympic Garden) to Bugibba.

Next Free Community Bike Ride: Sunday 6th March – St. Paul’s Bay to Bugibba

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) in collaboration with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) will be organising the next scheduled free community bike ride this Sunday 6th March starting at 11.00 a.m. from St. Paul’s Bay (Olympic Garden) to Bugibba. These bike rides represent a unique opportunity for new and less confident bike riders to gain experience, as bike rides are taken at a moderately pace and normally last an hour or two, ideal for those not ready to take a full day’s bike ride. No riders are left behind as riders are kept together with a lead and follow-up car.

Registration takes place at 10.45 a.m. A pick up point along the route for younger riders will be set up at the beginning of Pionner Road, Bugibba; youngsters have to be present at 11.30am. The bike ride should finish around noon. Cyclists should note that the route is not circular and will need to make arrangements to return to their cars. Alternatively interested persons can book a bike and helmet made available by the KMS against no payment (kindly book in advance as limited amount available). If it is your first time riding with us, arrive about 15 minutes early to ensure all in order.

Full safety measures are taken during all bike rides.  All cyclists are required to wear a helmet and stay with the group; apart from a lead car there are also back up teams, traffic police and an ambulance on standby following the group. Water will also be distributed free of charge. Through this bike ride, the KMS continues its endeavour to provide opportunities to encourage and enhance sport participation among all members of society. For further information, contact Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) on tel. 21660658 or send an e-mail to communications@sportmalta.org.mt.

Thomas Cremona sets 3rd World Record

Thomas Cremona has achieved what he set out to achieve and has become the first Maltese person to row across the Atlantic Ocean. In doing so together with his ‘Atlantic Ocean Row Team’ they have also established a new mid-Atlantic record. Accordingly, the new world record, as officially recognised by the International Ocean Rowing Society (www.oceanrowing.com), has been recorded as 33 days, 21 hours and 46 minutes. The Team left Tarfaya, Morocco at 13:30 GMT on Wednesday, January 5th 2011 and arrived today in Port St Charles, Barbados, Barbados at 11:16GMT.

Thomas Cremona sets 3rd World Record – Congratulations sent by Kunsill Malti għall-iSport

Thomas Cremona has achieved what he set out to achieve and has become the first Maltese person to row across the Atlantic Ocean. In doing so together with his ‘Atlantic Ocean Row Team’ they have also established a new mid-Atlantic record. Accordingly, the new world record, as officially recognised by the International Ocean Rowing Society (www.oceanrowing.com), has been recorded as 33 days, 21 hours and 46 minutes. The Team left Tarfaya, Morocco  at 13:30 GMT on Wednesday, January 5th 2011 and arrived today in Port St Charles, Barbados, Barbados at 11:16GMT.

The Team consisting of Matt Craughwell, skipper (GB), Thomas Cremona (Malta), Graham Carlin (GB), Rob Byrne (Ireland),  Adam Burke (Ireland) and Fiann Paul (Iceland) covered  a total of 3,168 miles (5098 km) (2753 nautical miles) from Tarfaya to Barbados in an overall average speed of 3.90 miles / hour.

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport would like to commend this marvellous feat and appluad Thomas Cremona for achieving another wonderful exploit.

In fact, Bernard Vassallo, Chairman for Kunsill Malti għall-iSport on behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at KMS made contact directly with Thomas Cremona upon his arrival at Barbados and congratulated him personally for all his efforts and achieving this new world record.

Thomas has now set 3 world records in the span of less than 3 months. The first record was set in December 2010 when he took on the World Record Challenge to row for 24 hours on the Concept 2 'Longest Continual Row' in the 'Individual Men 20-29 Heavyweight' category.The second record was achieved on the 18th January when the Atlantic Ocean Row Team, over a period of ten consecutive days,  covered a distance of over 100 miles/160 kilometres f and the latest record arrived today with the newly established mid-Atlantic record.

SportMalta Awards– a great success!

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and the Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sports brought together Malta’s sporting community to celebrate the achievements of local sportsmen and sportswomen during a spectacular event held at the Mediterranean Conference on the 29th January, with the second edition of the SportMalta Awards – L-Għazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali 2010.

SportMalta Awards– L-Għazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali 2010, a great success!

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and the Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sports brought together Malta’s sporting community to celebrate the achievements of local sportsmen and sportswomen during a spectacular event held at the Mediterranean Conference on the 29th January, with the second edition of the SportMalta Awards – L-Għazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali 2010. These awards are the main national sport event of the year and a number of exceptional athletes, officials and coaches took home awards, including Massimo Cremona who received the SportMalta Award 2010. This year’s finalists represented 15 sports disciplines, including: Athletics, Baseketball, Billiards & Snooker, Canoeing, Football, Horse Racing, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Squash, Table Football, Table Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Triathlon and Weightlifting.

Guests and athletes were treated to an exciting show presented by TV personalites Dorienne Grech and Chris Cauchi. The show was opened by HipHop Malta who together with various breakdance and streetlock crews gave a vibrant number involving at least 20 dancers. Live entertainment included Versatile Brass Band lead by Maestro Paul Borg and leading artists such as Kristina Casolani and Airport Impressions also contributed to the wide range of entertainment offered during the show. Especially for this event, three foreign performers from Belgium were brought over, these included Ilias Zefzaf (Football Freestyle), Thierry Klinkenberg (World Champion VVT - Bike Trial) and for the second time Antoine Jehanne (Artistic Basketball).

Special guest for these awards was Mr. Jean Todt, the President of the FIA, motor sport's world governing body. Mr. Todt met all the finalists prior to the awards ceremony and presented the prestigeous SportMalta Award to Massimo Cremona. Mr. Todt’s visit has been made possible thanks to the Malta MotorSport Federation. 

Apart from the L-Għazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali categories, namely Sportsman, Sportswomen, Official, Team, U/17 athlete, and special recognition to athletes with special needs, the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport also gave recognition to that Local Council who has contributed to sporting initiatives within their community; that State school who has endeavoured to ensure that its students regularly participate and are involved in sport;  and that sporting body who has contributed to Sport Tourism in Malta by attracting on a regular basis foreign athletes to our shores; and a special award to that individual who contributed to sport with a life time achievement recognition.

KMS Recognition Awards for 2010 included:

Local Council Recognition Award: B’Kara Local Council

Sport Association Recognition Award: Malta Rugby Football Union

State School Recognition Award: St. Benedict’s College

In addition due recognition was given by the KMS to the following sporting achievements in 2010:

Kayak for Cancer Recognition

On 15th July, two Maltese Kayakers, namely Albert Gambina and Dorian Vassallo participated in a paddling trip in aid of Puttinu Cares from Mahidia in Tunisia which ended at Golden Bay on 22nd July covering a total of 324 kilometres.

Veteran Athlete Recognition

Recognition was given to Alfred Debono who at the age of 62 continues to participate in local and international marathons. In the over 60 years of age category, in April, he placed first in the Vienna Marathon and in October and November he participated in the Chicago Marathon and placed second; in the prestigeous New York marathon, he placed fourth respectively. In addition he participated in the half marathons of Toronto and Niagara Falls in Canada, placing first.

Challenge 8000 Mount Everest Recognition

Climbers Gregory Attard, Marco Cremona and Robert Gatt became the first Maltese to conquer Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain (8,848 metres). The team was also made up of guide Victor Saunders and Manuel Morgado, a Brazilian climber. The expedition took 57 days which started on the 17th May.

World Record Achievement: Thomas Cremona

Thomas Cremona on the 11th December attempted to break the 20 hour world record held by Vincent Brunning (UK), in the Concept2 ‘Longest Continual Row’, Heavyweight category during an event organised to collect funds for Puttinu Cares Foundation. Thomas successfully established at new record at 24 hours.

During the awards ceremony two further awards were presented these included a special recognition award to the family of Dr. Michael Aquilina for his contribution to local sport. In addition the KMS recognised Mr. Justice Gino Camilleri for his life time contribution towards local sport.

The overall results for L-Għazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali categories, 2010 which are decided by the members of the Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sports through a voting procedure are as follows:

Sportsman of the Year

The criteria:

Awarded to an athlete (male) who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at an international and/or national level and who exibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport. The finalists in the Sportsman of the Year category is also in contention for the KMS's SportMalta Award.

The results:

Sportswoman of the Year

The criteria:

Awarded to an athlete (female) who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at an international and/or national level and who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport. The finalists in the Sportswomen of the Year category is also in contention for the KMS's SportMalta Award.

The result:

Official of the Year

The criteria:

Awarded to an individual who has achieved outstanding results in officiating at an international and/or national level. Nominations are open to all local referees/umpires/technical officials.

The result:

Team of the Year

The criteria:

Awarded to a team who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their peformance in a national competition.

The result:

U-17 Category

The criteria:

Awarded to a junior athlete (male or female) who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at an international and/or national level and who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport.

The result:

Special Recognition for Athlete with Special Needs

The criteria:

This award will be given in recognition of a sportsperson (male or female), in disabled category, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport.

The overall result:

Azzopardi Angele - was prominent in bowling during the season in competitions held by Special Olympics; won gold  in the doubles and a silver medal in the individual and mixed competitions in the last European Special Olympic Games held in Poland

Dalli Claudio  - was prominent in athletics during the season in activities held by Special Olympics; won gold with the relay team  and two silver in the 1500 and 5000 metres in  the last European Special Olympics Championships held in Poland.

In addition two further awards were revealed on the night these included the Sporting Event of the Year, which was presented to the Malta Amateur Athleteics Association (MAAA). During June 2010, the MAAA organised the European Team Championships, involving over 650 foreign athletes and officials. The Journalist recognition awarded to that journalist who has contributed to sports throughout their lifetime went to Fr. Hiliary Tagliaferro.

SportMalta Award 

Massimo Cremona who also placed 2nd in the Sportsman of Year category, was the overall winner and was presented the SportMalta Award Trophy by Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport and Mr. Jean Todt, the President of the FIA, motor sport's world governing body. Massimo a table football player had a successful year in 2010 - he was a member of the Malta team that won the World Championships and also placed third in the Individual competition in the same championships. He was also a member of the Italian Team, Filli Bari Reggione, that won the Champions League and played in all ten matches.  With the same Italian team, he finished third in the World Open Championships.

Massimo was selected through a voting processes not determined by the KMS but through set criteria which is made up of 40% of the votes cast by the sports journalists, another 40% from votes of association delegates present during the presentations' night and the other 20% from a public vote through SMS voting. Massimo obtained 4.52% from the Journalists, 7.8% from the presidents of the national associations and was the favourite with the general pubic where he obtained 4.145% of the voting percentage, giving him the lead with a total of 16.47%.

SportMalta Award - final results:

The SportMalta Awards– L-Għazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali 2010 was more than an awards ceremony, it was a vehicle to reach out to youths and students and bring sport and its message closer to them. This was successfully achieved as over 20 schools were included in a Roadshow program which resulted in over 4000 students coming into direct contact with the athletes; a novel approach which boosted their self esteem and as role models they encouraged youngsters directly to take up sport.  In addition, three pre-events were also organised including a mega event at Cottonera Sports Complex, Junior College and Bay Street. Six media events linked with the show were also organised in addition to 34 TV slots in sports programs, host shows, and specialised programs and over 1170 promo spots on TV and radio was given. In excess of 16 hours of TV coverage was given to the objective of instilling more awareness for sport and the achievements of local athletes.

These awards have successfully managed to create an event which has extended beyound the actual awards night.  It is clear that this activity will be remembered as the event that put local athletes in the forefront which involved them with numerous of students and the general public directly.

Girls on the Move

Girls on the Move Sport is for everyone - girls and women should not be excluded from participation in sport because of their gender. Childhood and adolescence are critical times to lay the foundation for lifelong physical activity, but, unfortunately, too many young people, especially girls, are not active enough.

Girls on the Move

Sport is for everyone - girls and women should not be excluded from participation in sport because of their gender. Childhood and adolescence are critical times to lay the foundation for lifelong physical activity, but, unfortunately, too many young people, especially girls, are not active enough. As children grow into adolescents, their participation in physical activity declines dramatically and this especially applies to young females who tend to drop out of sports by the age of 12. There are many different theories as to why this happens, however in order to tackle this problem Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) initiated a pilot project back in 2007 in collaboration with a number of sporting associations to help tackle this problem.  

As can be noted in the sporting field, opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport have increased dramatically over the years. Today they can participate in a wide variety of sports once considered as traditionally male sports such as football, rugby and weightlifting. Through the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme which is aimed at girls aged 9-16, the objective of this programme is to encourage girls to adopt a more active lifestyle and try out a wide variety of sport disciplines. This year the KMS has been working on expanding the ‘Girls on the Move’ Programme in terms of variety of sports offered as well as identifying different localities in which the programme can be offered. Girls can now participate in a wider range of physical activities and sports, and the new programme which will commence in November will include Aikido, Aerobics, Athletics , Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Handball, Judo, Netball, Pilates, Rugby, Self Defence, Snooker,and Volleyball. Here young girls can come together, develop their physical fitness, cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility and learn the skills and techniques of their chosen sport, and have fun all at the same time.

As with sports participation for all populations, the benefits for girls and women are numerous. The benefits of physical activity are well-understood, and have important implications also for girls. The real and potential benefits that physical activity and sport have to offer are both physical and mental. Physical Exercise is good for a girl`s body, mind and spirit and offers extra benefits in addition to having fun and getting fit. These include apart from the obvious health benefits reducing the chance of getting breast cancer and developing brittle bones. A girl practicing sport is less likely to smoke, drink alcohol and take drugs. Studies also state that girls who play sports do much better in school since exercise helps them concentrate and also improves their memory. In addition, playing a sport also builds self-confidence and reduces the chances of having a negative self-esteem. Participating in sport is a sure way for girls to develop physical competence as sport helps them to learn how to control their bodies and to rely on acquired physical skills. Through sport, girls also learn to appreciate their bodies for what they can do, instead of the perceived appearance by others. Accordingly, the objective of the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme is to encourage and create opportunities for girls and young women to become and remain more physically active throughout their lives, to increase the number of female particpants in sport, promote sports amongst young girls, and raise awareness of the advantages of taking part in sport activities and additionally, help them to find new friends in a sport setting. The programme is suitably designed for girls to choose the discipline they like most. Training is usually held once a week and there are various venues to choose from. All coaches working in the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme are qualified in their respective sport.  Further information is available from the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport website at www.sportmalta.org.mt or by sending an e-mail to programmes@sportmalta.org.mt

High Ropes

The KMS is responsible for the management of the High Ropes Course which is located in the BOV Adventure park, Ta’ Qali. This is a unique attraction, featuring a obstacle course of high ropes for youngsters and adults. The High Ropes Course offers team build and group working opportunities.

High Ropes Course – Ta’ Qali BOV Adventure Park

The KMS is responsible for the management of the High Ropes Course which is located in the BOV Adventure park, Ta’ Qali. This is a unique attraction, featuring a obstacle course of high ropes for youngsters and adults. The High Ropes Course offers team build and group working opportunities.

The structure is mainly open on weekends between 10.00-16.00 hrs; bookings can also be made for group activities. The structure during high winds is not used due to safety reasons. Persons using the structure are given a brief from the qualified instructors before they start, public are equipped with professional harnesses and climbing ropes to support their weight. Conditions for use is that a person has to be 120 cm high, there is no age limit, and of weight under 120 kgs. Qualified instructors (minimum 6) are on site.   

There are two levels of obstacle the first level were you find hanging tires, hanging wooden steps, rubber balls rope bridge, these are normally done by children where the upper level which is 10 metres high is done by the adults due to height and more physical force is required. The upper level you find hanging tires, wooden levels to walk on.The High Ropes Course consistes of a fully welded steel framework – galvanised for durability and longevity set on high tensile concrete footings. Elements constructed of polypropylene steel cored ‘combi’ rope, stainless steel, marine plywood and recycled plastics.

Opening hours: Weekends between 10am and 3pm (last group at 2pm). Weather permitting.

SportMalta Awards

The SportMalta Awards are organised by the Malta Sports Council (KMS) and the Sportswriters Association (GhKS) previously known as the ‘Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali’; these awards are the main national sport event of the year where athletes, officials and administrators who distinguish themselves, will be rewarded during a ceremony befitting sport in Malta as a whole.

SportMalta Awards - Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali. 

The SportMalta Awards are organised by the Malta Sports Council (KMS) and the Sportswriters Association (GhKS) previously known as the ‘Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali’; these awards are the main national sport event of the year where athletes, officials and administrators who distinguish themselves, will be rewarded during a ceremony befitting sport in Malta as a whole.

These awards are about celebrating the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force for good, passionately embodying the very spirit of sport such as the pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges, celebrating achievement and sporting excellence and winning against the odds. These awards recognize the achievements of today’s local sports heroes and bring sportspeople together, united in achievement and through the universal language of sport which unites and inspires people.

Accordingly, the Sport Malta Awards will showcase sport in Malta and contribute to raising awareness of the value of sport to individuals and communities and also to highlight the contribution of those who deliver sport at local level, including schools and clubs, volunteers, coaches and administration officers. The event is intended to reward individuals, clubs, volunteers and sport administrators for excellence in sport, demonstrating their commitment to good practice in sport, integrity, exemplary sportsmanship, innovative and inclusive programmes and greater grass roots participation. Another objective for establishing these awards is to recognize those outstanding individuals and teams that can be held up as role models for sport through their sociability respect for others and support for the values of sport. As a result of  these Awards, one can learn from the extraordinary efforts of many talented and enthusiastic Maltese sport persons. Their accomplishments will inspire others to follow in their footsteps and achieve their dreams.

The 10 finalists in the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year categories of the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali are in the running for the SportMalta Award. This will emerge from a voting process involving sports journalists, association delegates and the public.

Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali – Selection Process

A selection board announces 10 finalists from each category (sportsman, sportswoman, official, team, youth) in December. The same selection board then cuts this list to five finalists in each respective category (Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Best U-17 Athlete, Team of the Year and Official of the Year) either at the end of December or early in January (this is usually announced at the pre-event activity held around two/three weeks before the final night). The finalists in the Sportsman and Sportsman of the Year categories are in contention for the KMS's SportMalta awards.

The journalists’ voting stage sets off at this stage and members of the Għaqda Kittieba Sports are sent a voting document (through post) and asked to vote. Sport editors carry more weight as their vote accounts to a higher percentage of the final vote (varying between 25-33%). The votes are then collected and counted by the Għaqda Kittieba Sports committee and the winners are subsequently announced on the final night where other prizes are given for the sportsman/woman with a disability, the Sport Activity of the Year and recognition to a veteran sport journalist.

Winners

The winners of the last 10 editions of the respective categories were:

2009

Official of the Year

Tonio Cini followed by Judo’s Envic Galea and  snooker referee Terry Camilleri

Best Sportsman

William Chetcuti

U-17 Category

Clive Farrugia

Special Recognition

Michael Calleja and Alexia Wetz in Special Olympics

Best Event

Judo Kata World Championships

Special Momento

Simon Bonello

KMS SportMalta Award

Aaron Ciantar

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Rebecca Brincat Thorensen

Team of the Year

Women’s basketball

2008

U-17 Category

Ryan Bugeja - Shooting

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Sue Abela

2007

U-17 Category

Francesca Xuereb - Athlete

Sportsman of the Year

Michael Mifsud

Sportswoman of the Year

Francesca Xuereb

2006

U-17 Category

Matthew Asciak - Tennis

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Rebecca Madyson

2005

U-17 Category

Matthew Asciak - Tennis

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Angela Galea

2004

U-17 Category

Benji Borg

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Angela Galea

2003

U-17 Category

Benji Borg

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Tanya Blake

2002

U-17 Category

Matthew Fleri Soler

Sportsman of the Year

William Chetcuti

Sportswoman of the Year

Maria Mifsud Bonnici

2001

U-17 Category

Roberta Callus

Sportsman of the Year

Stefan Farrugia

Sportswoman of the Year

Carol Galea

2000

U-17 Category

Peter Valentino

Sportsman of the Year

Tony Cauchi

Sportswoman of the Year

Carol Galea

1999

U-17 Category

Steve Pace

Sportsman of the Year

Mario Bonello

Sportswoman of the Year

Sue Abela

1998

U-17 Category

Dermot Galea

Other Awards

From the edition of 2004, l-Ghaqda Kittieba Sports has started to award even the journalists that worked hard in sports journalism and also gave his contribution for sports in his career. The winner of the first edition was the photographer Charles Fava. In 2005 the winner was Lewis Portelli which was one of the members of GhKS while in 2006 the winner was Benny Pace, in 2007 the winner was Mario Meli and 2008 Henry Calleja.

The GhKS also awards that association in that particular year which had organised an activity on international level:

The winners are:

2008 : FIBA Conference organised by the Malta Basketball Association

2007 : MAAA European Calendar Conference

2006 : Triathlon International Championships

2005 : Rolex Middle Sea Race

2004 : FISEC Games

2003 : 10 Editions of the “Loghob tal-Pajjizi z-Zghar”

Non Olympic Sports Funding Scheme launched by the KMS

KMS as both regulator and provider of services in the Sport and Active Leisure sector is also committed to supporting local sports from grassroots to the highest level of sport. This is achieved in a number of ways through investing in the provision of a number of support programmes, which offer finanical subsidies and/or provision of facilities to KMS registered sports associations, federations and clubs.

In its strive to instigate a sport culture, the Kunsill Malti g√Ѭßall-iSport (KMS) endeavours to develop and implement sport programmes targeting all members of the Maltese community.  KMS as both regulator and provider of services in the Sport and Active Leisure sector is also committed to supporting local sports from grassroots to the highest level of sport. This is achieved in a number of ways through investing in the provision of a number of support programmes, which offer finanical subsidies and/or provision of facilities to KMS registered sports associations, federations and clubs.

With the launch of a new funding scheme, the KMS is widening and investing further in local sport, open to non olympic sport entities registered with the KMS. A total of 17 sport disciplines will benefit from this scheme which has an initial allocation of €28,250 for the period 2010. This scheme will provide grants for training and technical preparations for competitions or international competitions including partially assisting in the expenses involved for travelling and/or participating and/ or training camps abroad. This means that through this scheme KMS is creating further opportunities at national level for non olympic sports athletes to grow and sustain their participation.

KMS offers a number of schemes these of which include:

• Venue Scheme,
• Use of School Sport Facilities Scheme,
• Facility Maintenance Scheme,
• Facility Improvement Scheme,
• Special Sports Leave Scheme,
• Youth Development Scheme,
• Professional Services  Scheme,
• Sport Tourism Scheme,
• Tax Rebate Schemes,
• 20/20 Training Scheme,
• Elite Athletes Training Scheme,
• Equipment Scheme,
• Doping Control Scheme,
• Sports Personnel Scheme,  
• International Participation Foreign Assistance,
• Local Councils Scheme
• Non Olympic Sport Scheme.

More information about these funding programmes can be found on the KMS website www.sportmalta.org.mt or by contacting Sinclair Cassar on pas@sportmalta.org.mt

Sports Entities benefiting from this fund include: 

• Malta Netball Association
• Malta Rugby Football Union
• National Federation of Sports Anglers
• Malta Baseball and Softball Association
• Malta Billiards and Snooker Association
• International Federation Body Builders Malta
• Malta Chess Federation
• Malta Cricket Association
• Malta Dancesport Association
• Malta Darts Association
• Malta Golf Association
• Malta Karate Federation
• Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi
• Malta Pool Association
• Malta Racing Club
• Malta Table Football Sports Association
• Malta Tenpin Bowling Association

Regatta Presentation

The traditional regatta races are events that are held twice yearly, namely on 31st March and on 8th September. These races involve typical traditional Maltese boats like frejgatini, kajjikki and dghajjes. KMS, as the government entity for sport, commits itself to give assistance that is fair and reasonable to different sport organisations including the Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali in relation to the organising of the regatta races.

The traditional regatta races are events that are held twice yearly, namely on 31st March and on 8th September. These races involve typical traditional Maltese boats like frejgatini, kajjikki and dghajjes.

As of late 2009, the organising of these events was passed under the portfolio of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports and the Malta Sports Council (KMS-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport).

KMS, as the government entity for sport, commits itself to give assistance that is fair and reasonable to different sport organisations including the Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali in relation to the organising of the regatta races.

During the 31st March regatta races, seven (7) clubs participated (B’Bugia, Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett, Senglea and Vittoriosa), competing in a total of ten (10) races in two different categories.

The prestigous Category A Shield was eventually won by L-Isla whilst Kalkara won the Category B Shield. KMS provided prize monies and subsidies amounting to over €13,000 to the participating clubs in order to assist them in their preparations in these same races. In addition, Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali Malta was presented with a cheque as financial assistance towards their contribution in the organising of the Regatta in setting up the race course.  This financial assistance was presented to Mr. Sammy Busuttil, President of the Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali Malta by Mr. Sinclair Cassar, representing KMS.

Meanwhile, the KMS now looks forward to the next Regatta races which will take place on the 8th September in the Valletta Grand Harbour as part of the activities commemorating the Great Siege Victory of 1565.

Basic Performance Course Level 1 2010

KMS is organising an 8-week basic sports education programme ‘Performance Course – Level 1’, which is both theoretical and hands-on. This course is designed for students between the ages of 12 to 14 who either have the intention of choosing the PE Option course or are interested to learn more about rules, sport activities and physical education.

Kunsill Malti g√Ѭßall-iSport is organising an 8-week basic sports education programme ‘Performance Course – Level 1’, which is both theoretical and hands-on. This course is designed for students between the ages of 12 to 14  who either have the intention of choosing the PE Option course or are interested to learn more about rules, sport activities and physical education.

This course spans a total of 8 weeks and will be held on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 9am to noon. Course content will include both theory and practice with sessions being held in various venues appropriate for each activity. The theoretical part focuses on the role of coach, health and hygiene, rules and techniques, tactics, first aid and the muscular and skeletal system. What is covered in the theorectical part will then be put into practise during the practical sessions. Sports disciplines covered include Handball, Frizbee, Dance, Swimming, Football, Dodgeball, Athletics, Hockey, Cycling, Athletics and Kayaking. Participants who complete the course will be graded and awarded a certificate.

The course is limited to 15 students and will commence mid-July. Sessions will be held at Cottonera Sports Complex, Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex and other venues. Transport will be organised from venues according to requirement. The fee for the course is €150. For detailed schedule, application form and further information kindly e-mail, programmes@sportmalta.org.mt or call on 21 660658.

Basic Water Rescue Course 2010

The Insitute for Phyiscal Education and Sport (University of Malta) in collaboration with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport will be organising a theoretical and hands-on ‘Basic Water Rescue Techniques’ course.

The Insitute for Phyiscal Education and Sport (University of Malta) in collaboration with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport will be organising a theoretical and hands-on ‘Basic Water Rescue Techniques’ course.

This course spans a total of 14 hours: 4 hours theoretical lectures and 10 hours of practical sessions. The primary objective is to teach candidates employed in or around water recreational facilities the requirements needed for emergency situations. This entails choosing and applying the appropriate skills. It is also aimed at raising awareness on the dangers and loss of life from drowning.

The theoretical part focuses on land based rescue, including; assessing the situation, calling and signaling to aid the swimmer in difficulty. This also covers discussions on Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) set by the management to be operated on a day to day basis and relationships and discussions between life saving and rescuing. Safety issues such as frequent, motion and physical hazards are given due importance.

The practical part includes the suitable skills requirements to perform a land based rescue. The proper water entries and exits with a survivorr, perform an accompanied rescue and all contact tows. This also includes the sequences of Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Treatment for bleeding, fractures, cramps, shock and placing the survivor in the recovery position will also be covered in this part of the course.

The course is limited to 16 students and will be held over 9-sessions starting on Thursday, 1st July.  Sessions will be held at University and the National Swimming Pool. Participants for this course must be 18 years or over, and must be able to swim 50m Front Crawl unaided in 1 minute. A medical certificate is also required. The fee for the course is €60.  Applications close Monday 28th June. For detailed schedule, application form and further information kindly e-mail, Oliver Mallia – oliver.mallia@um.edu.mt

Annabelle Vassallo Award: Most Committed Coach 2010

KMS has launched the Annabelle Vassallo Award for “Most Committed Coach” which was proudly presented for the first time during the KMS Skolasport end of season activity.

The Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) has launched the Annabelle Vassallo Award for “Most Committed Coach” which was proudly presented for the first time during the KMS Skolasport end of season activity.

Bernard Vassallo, Chairman for the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) announced that this award was inspired by Annabelle Vassallo who although terminally ill has made it her goal to make a difference by touching people’s hearts and making them appreciate life.  Her fortitude and positive outlook supported by her faith and appreciation of life is something that can be so taken for granted.  It is through people like Annabelle Vassallo, we can admire and attempt to make a difference in the lives of those around us. With this in mind the KMS has decided to award their ‘Most Committed Coach’ who has also tried to make a difference to those who they come into contact with through the KMS programmes.

The KMS currently employs over 80 professional and qualified coaches who are dedicated to providing a service to the young and old in various sport disciplines and or activities all year round.  Sports programmes are ongoing during the winter and summer periods from athletics to swimming, football to modern dance, pilates, aerobics and walking programmes to mention a few.  These would not be possible without the support of the KMS coaches. The KMS appreciates the commitment given by all the coaches and although a difficult choice to select the recipient of this award, one particular coach has stood out for his enthusiasm and how he whole heartedly puts passion and energy into what he does. The KMS awarded the first Annabelle Vassallo Award: Most Committed Coach to Karl Cortis which was presented with great honour by Bernard Vassallo.

The awardee, Karl Cortis is a 3^rd Year P.E. University Student.  He has been coaching with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport for these last 3 years. He has coached in Programmes like ‘Skolasport’, ‘Sports Buzz’, ‘Summer on the Move’ and the Community Programme.  Apart from KMS he is a Scout with the Sta. Venera Scout Group. Karl has always shown great commitment and dedication throughout these years. Be it indoor games or swimming lessons, all children who were coached by Karl Cortis have experienced a positive attitude to sport and physical education.

Bernard Vassallo, Chairman for the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) concluded by saying “that it was a great pleasure to recognise those who have put so much into sports and also the immense contribution that they have given to sport”.

Negative results for Regatta Athletes Tested for Doping

As part of their commitment to best practices KMS as the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) undertook to ensure anti-doping tests were carried out on a number of athletes participating in the national regatta races, which took place on the 31st March. Results of sampling taken at the 31st March Regatta Race have just been received and all athletes who underwent the doping tests tested negative.

As part of their commitment to best practices the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) as the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) undertook to ensure anti-doping tests were carried out on a number of athletes participating in the national regatta races, which took place on the 31st March.  Results of sampling taken at the 31st March Regatta Race have just been received and all athletes who underwent the doping tests tested negative.

Anti-doping tests were carried out in accordance with the World Anti-Doping codes as set down by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).  The World Anti-Doping Code is the document which comprises all the regulations regarding Anti-Doping across all sports and all countries in the world so that all athletes have the benefit of the same anti-doping policies and procedures irrespective of the sport, nationality or the country in which they are tested. The Code first came into effect on 1^st January 2004 and the new revised Code came into effect on 1^st January 2009.

The objective of taking doping tests is to detect and deter abuse of performance-enhancing drugs by competitors. The procedure involves taking a urine sample which is taken in a controlled situation. Two samples are collected and sealed in coded bottles these are then placed in collection containers which are sealed with tamper-proof strips and also coded.  These are then sent by courier for analysis to an accredited IOC recognised laboratory. At no time will laboratory staff know the identity of the athlete – only the bottle identification number.  Apart from random checks made during specific competitions and events - elite level athletes are subject to year-round random testing which can be carried out at any time unannounced.

Kunsil Malti ghall l-isport: Launch of SUMMER PROGRAMMES

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport will be launching their Summer Sports Programmes with the aim of providing opportunites for youngsters, adults and senior citizens to actively participate in various programmes throughout the summer period, from 12th July to 3rd September.

Kunsill Malti għall-iSport will be launching their Summer Sports Programmes with the aim of providing opportunites for youngsters, adults and senior citizens to actively participate in various programmes throughout the summer period, from 12th July to 3rd September.  Sessions take place in the morning and in the evenings. Venues include Cottonera Sports Complex, Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex (National Swimming Pool and University Sports Hall), Sailing Sessions near Haywharf and Pretty Bay, B’Bugia and Adventure sessions at various localities. Registrations for the KMS Summer on the Move Programme and the KMS Active Youngsters Programme will be accepted as from Monday 24th May 2010.  Registrations and payments may also be effected online. The Summer Programmes include the following activities:

KMS SUMMER ON THE MOVE: Cottonera Sports Complex Programme

The Cottonera Sports Complex is a daily morning programme taking place between 9am and noon and involves various indoor games consisting of various physical activities, interactive games, swimming sessions and an Adventure programme specifically for 12 year to 16 year olds.  The programme is divided into two age brackets, youngsters between 4 years and 10 years and 11 years and 16 years.  Swimming sessions take place at the Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex and the Adventure Programme at various places (transport is provided by KMS from Cottonera Sports Complex). For youngsters between 4 years and 10 years - Indoor activities take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays while the swimming sessions take place on Mondays and Thursdays. For youngsters between 11 years and 16 years – Indoor activities take place on Mondays and Thursdays, Swimming sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays and the Adventure programme (applies only for 12 years to 16 year olds) takes place on Wednesdays. Parents can opt for two or more sessions.

KMS SUMMER ON THE MOVE: Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex (National Swimming Pool and University Sports Hall) Programme

The Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex (National Swimming Pool and University Sports Hall) is also a daily morning programme (with some exclusions) taking place between 9am and 12:30pm and also involves various indoor games consisting of various physical activities, interactive games, swimming sessions and an Adventure programme specifically for 12 year to 16 year olds.  The programme is divided into two age brackets, youngsters between 4 years and 10 years and 11 years and 16 years.  Transport from Tal-Qroqq to the Adventure Programme is provided by KMS. For youngsters between 4 years and 10 years – Swimming sessions take place between 8.30am and 10.00am followed by the indoor activities between 10am and 12.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For youngsters between 11 years and 16 years – Swimming sessions take place between 8.30am and 10am followed by indoor activities from 10am to 12.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  The Adventure programme (applies only for 12 years to 16 year olds) takes place on Mondays from 8.30am. Parents can opt for two or more sessions.

KMS SUMMER ON THE MOVE: Adventure Programme

The Adventure sessions programme catered for at the Cottonera Sports Complex and or the Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex, with transport from both venues to all locations earmarked for the activities provided by KMS.  The schedule caters for youngsters between 12 and 16 years of age where they have the opportunity to take part in an exciting programme that takes them on an adrenalin high experience of kayaking, beach games, trekking, treasure hunts and orienteering, among others. 

KMS SUMMER ON THE MOVE: Sailing Programme

Sailing sessions are held once a week.  These are organised with the Vikings Sailing Club and the B’Bugia Sailing Club.  For sessions organised with the Vikings Sailing Club these apply for children between 9 years to 16 years and take place at Hay Wharf, Floriana (near excelsior Hotel).  These are held on Monday’s or Tuesday’s with a choice of two sessions, the first from 8.30am to 10.30am and the second from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  For sessions organised with the B’Bugia Sailing Club these apply for children between 8 years to 16 years and take place at Pretty Bay, B’Bugia.  Beginners and intermediate sessions are held on Thursday’s at 9am and 1.30pm respectively. Advance sessions take place on Saturday’s from 9am.

KMS SUMMER ON THE MOVE: Swimming Programme

Daily swimming sessions for everybody starting from 4 years of age including adults and senior citizens are held between 10.30am and noon at the Tal-Qroqq Swimming Pool Complex.

KMS ACTIVE YOUNGSTERS PROGRAMME: SUMMER EVENING’S

KMS Active Youngsters is an evening sports programme held between 6pm and 7.30pm at the Cottonera Sports Complex for youngsters between 9 and 16 years of age, offering them a variety of sports. Participants have the opportunity to choose more than one sport including: Football, Modern Dance, Handball, Netball, Traditional Karate, Volleyball and Basketball.

Application form and full schedule of programme is available on www.sportmalta.org.mt or can be obtained by sending an email request to programmes@sportmalta.org.mt for more information. Registrations will be accepted as from Monday 24th May 2010.  Registrations and payments may also be effected online.

Discover the fun of Riding a Bike with KMS & MCF

KMS together with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) for the past 2 years have been organising regular ‘Bike Rides’ which have been gaining in popularity with the number of participants increasing each time. These rides have been taking place in various locations around the island and cater for all ages as part of a ‘Sports for All’ initiative.

The Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) together with the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) for the past 2 years have been organising regular ‘Bike Rides’ which have been gaining in popularity with the number of participants increasing each time. These rides have been taking place in various locations around the island and cater for all ages as part of a ‘Sports for All’ initiative. 

These organised rides offer the opportunity for biking enthusiasts to come together, no matter what skill level, to have fun riding a bike in a safe environment. These rides can be enjoyed by everyone even if you do not own your own bike, as bikes and helmets are also provided for, free of charge.  As the routes are not circular you will, however, have to make arrangements in advance to get back to your car; or those parents whose children are taking part can pick up their child at the finishing point.  We know that Malta has a high percentage of cars on the road which makes participating in an organised bike ride a very safe option; as full safety measures are taken during these bike rides.  All cyclists are required to wear a helmet and stay with the group; apart from a lead car there are also back up teams, traffic police and an ambulance on standby following the group just in case.

The next scheduled KMS and MCF organised bike rides before summer will be taking place as follows:

Sunday, 23rd May: Starting at 10am the bike ride will start from Ta’ Pinellu, Mellieha (near petrol station) and will finish in Bugibba.  The route will take riders towards Selmun, Xemxija, St. Paul’s Bypass, Pinoeer Road to finish in the Bugibba Square. A pick up point for younger riders will be set up at Xemxija, next to the Olympic Garden; youngsters wishing to participate from this point should be present by 10.15am to join the main group. Another pick up point will be set up for the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme at the beginning of Pioneer road and should be present by 10.30am.  The bike ride should finish around 11am.

Sunday, 30th May: Starting at 10.30am the bike ride will start from Bahar Ic-Caghaq, Coast Road (picnic area near the Coastline Hotel) and will finish in St Julians (car park area near Police Station/McDonalds). The route will take riders along the coast road heading towards St. Andrews/Pembroke and on towards St Julians.  A pick up point for younger rides will be set up at the entrance of the ex-White Rocks Complex, St. Andrews; youngsters wishing to participate from this point should be present by 10.45am to join the main group. Another pick up point will be set up for the ‘Girls on the Move’ programme at Luxol Car Park and should be present by 11am.  The bike ride should finish around 11.30am.

As we know cycling is an environmentally-friendly way to commute and it is a fun way to get fit. Whether you rely on your bike for transportation or exercise, you’ll enjoy these ten fun facts on this two-wheeled vehicle which have been compiled by the National Geographic:

• In 1817, Karl von Drais, a German baron, invented a horseless carriage that would help him get around faster. The two-wheeled, pedal-less device was propelled by pushing your feet against the ground. The machine became known as the “draisine,” and led to the creation of the modern-day bicycle.
• The term “bicycle” was not introduced until the 1860s, when it was coined in France to describe a new kind of two-wheeler with a mechanical drive.
• Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who built the first flying airplane, operated a small bike repair shop in Dayton, Ohio. They used their workshop to build the 1903 Wright Flyer.
• Fred A. Birchmore, 25, circled the globe by bicycle in 1935. The entire trip, through Europe, Asia, and the United States, covered forty thousand miles. He pedaled about 25,000 miles. The rest was traveled by boat. He wore out seven sets of tires.
• There are over a half billion bicycles in China. Bikes were first brought to China in the late 1800s.

Available at: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Stories/MoreStories/Ten-things-about-bikes

So if you haven’t ridden for a while or would like to experience an organised bike ride come, relax and enjoy the organised bike rides taking place. Parents, grandparents and children are invited to come along.  Those interested in participating are either to get their own bike and helmet or to can make use of the bikes made available by the KMS against no payment. Through this bike ride, which forms part of the ‘KMS - Sports For All – Cycling’ campaign, the KMS continues its endeavor to provide opportunities to encourage and enhance sport participation among all members of society. Contact Kunsill Malti għall-iSport (KMS) on tel. 21660658 or send an e-mail to communications@sportmalta.org.mt. For more information visit www.sportmalta.org.mt or www.letsgocycling.org

European Campaign against Obesity

As part of a European campaign against Obesity, which will be taking place across Europe, on the 22nd MAY, the Malta Exercise Health and Fitness Association jointly with the KMS will be organising a number of awareness activities for children and adults alike.

As part of a European campaign against Obesity, which will be taking place across Europe, on the 22nd MAY, the Malta Exercise Health and Fitness Association jointly with the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport will be organising a number of awareness activities for children and adults alike.

On Friday, 21st May an 'Active Programme’ for Kids will be organised offering a fun packed morning where a number of school children will experience various physical activities and interactive games, which will take place at the BOV Adventure Park in Ta’ Qali. This will then be followed by a public talk and demonstrations, at 11am for both students and parents on 'Healthy Eating' which will tackle issues such as - when is a child considered obese, what dangers does this bring and how can parents prepare healthy food for their child. The following day, Saturday 22nd May, the MEHFA and the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport will be organising another public talk on the topic of 'Weight Loss' for Adults which will take place at the Cottonera Sports Complex, from 9am to 9.45am and again at 10.30am to 11.15am. 

The main speaker who will be giving the public talks will be Daphne Zahra,  B.Pharm (Hons), PQD Nutrition and Dietetics, who is a registered Nutritionist and Pharmacist.  Her presentation will tackle ‘Healthy Eating’ and ‘Weight Loss’ where she will highlight and reveal how to take the first steps towards a successful journey in adopting a healthy diet. The first barrier to over come towards adopting a healthy diet is in your mind –to adopt a healthy diet apart from understanding what is healthy for your body also requires having the will to adapt and stick to a healthier lifestyle.  The most effective way to lose weight and improve your health is achieved through a combination of a healthy balanced diet and participation in some form of physical activity. Learn more from these talks, how to deal with your weight problems, and learn to look and feel better. Handouts will be provided. All public talks are also open to the general public and entrance is free. Due to limited space at Cottonera, it is recommended that bookings are made in advance by calling tel. 21660658/7.

Also as part of this initiative the KMS Tal-Qroqq Fitness Centre will be organising an ‘Open Day’ on Saturday, 22nd May, between 9am and 1pm, where the general public are invited to visit the gym and try out a free gym session.  Qualified gym instructors will be on hand to explain the use of the machines and the different type of programmes you can do to improve your health and how different machines can be used to work different parts of the body. The Fitness Centre has undergone many changes recently and visitors can expect to see a modern gym offering a wide range of gym equipment with recent additions include rowing machines, stationary bikes, full range of dumbbells and new treadmills.  There is no doubt that the KMS Tal-Qroqq Fitness Centre has a great future.  It is a central gymnasium, with free and easy parking.  The view from the gym is unique in Malta, and there is a friendly, helpful welcome from the staff in the Centre. The general public are invited to come and try out and see what the KMS Tal-Qroqq Fitness centre offers and experience first hand for themselves. For more information about the ‘Open Day’ contact the Gym Manager, Edwin Buttigieg on 21322126.