Malta’s athletics team is travelling to Maribor, Slovenia, to take part in the European Team Athletics Championships. This is a big competition where teams from all over Europe try to move up to higher leagues. Malta will compete in the Third League.

Earlier this year, Malta’s athletes did very well at the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra. They won 19 medals, including three golds. This gave the team plenty of confidence for the European Championships.

The Maltese team includes 31 athletes and eight officials. In 2021, they finished seventh and improved to fifth place in 2023. This year, they hope to do even better. However, five important athletes had to pull out for personal reasons, which makes things harder.

The team will take part in all men’s and women’s events, plus the mixed 4x400m relay. They want to score as many points as possible.

For the first time, Malta has two team captains: Luke Bezzina and Gina McNamara. Both are experienced and well respected.

The team is led by Head of Delegation Darren Micallef and Team Leader Mario Bonello.

The Third League competition will be held on 24 and 25 June at the Athletic Stadium Poljane in Maribor. Malta’s participation is supported by SportMalta.

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Starting 1st July, the Government will launch two new projects to help people live in a more eco-friendly way.

The first project gives a €100 voucher to around 13,000 vulnerable families. The voucher can be used to buy a water filter, making tap water cleaner and safer to drink. Families will get the voucher by post, and a list of shops accepting it will be found at www.waw.com.mt.

The second project is all about recycling. Special vehicles with machines will visit 20 towns to collect empty drink bottles. This service is for people over 60 and Blue Badge holders. It works by appointment, so those taking part will need to call 1718 or email [email protected] to book. The service is available every day from 8 in the morning to 8 at night.

These initiatives were unveiled during a press conference in Birgu by Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield.

This recycling project will begin in places like Valletta, Birgu, Ħamrun, Paola and Sliema, among others. The aim is to make it easier for older people to recycle from home.

Minister Miriam Dalli said the Government wants to make it simpler for everyone to help the environment. Minister Michael Falzon added that helping families stay healthy and safe is also a top priority.

Moreover, staff from the Cleansing and Maintenance Division will be present at 11 high-demand BCRS machine sites to assist with maintenance.

Starting July 1st, personnel will be stationed in two hubs in St. Paul’s Bay, Rabat (Malta), Xemxija, Gżira, Ta’ Xbiex, Floriana, Valletta, San Tumas (Marsaskala), and two hubs in Sliema.

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