Maltese Swimmer Sasha Gatt Breaks Records at First Post-Olympics Meet

Oct 27 2024

Maltese swimmer Sasha Gatt has kicked off her post-Olympics season in style, claiming first place at the Slovakia Swimming Cup. In her first meet since competing at the Paris Olympics, Gatt broke her own National Short Course Record in the 800-meter freestyle event with an impressive time of 8:38.25, setting a new Championship Meet Record in the process.

Gatt’s performance also led to another milestone: a new National Short Course Record in the 400-meter freestyle. With her exceptional swim, she secured a “B Qualifying Time” for the upcoming World Aquatics Short Course Swimming Championships set to take place in Budapest, Hungary.

Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Gatt expressed gratitude to her family, her coach Ioan Catalin Stan, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, the Maltese Olympic Committee, and her sponsor Eurosport for their unwavering support. She also thanked her club, Sliema ASC Panta Swimming, for their continuous encouragement.

Gatt’s achievements have earned her 781 FINA points, showcasing her as one of Malta’s most promising athletes. Looking forward to her next events, she remains focused on maintaining her momentum and making waves on the international stage.

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Malta’s Corinthia Group Debuts New Hotel ‘The Surrey’ in New York City

Oct 27 2024

Corinthia Group has officially launched its first North American property, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, situated in New York City’s prestigious Upper East Side. Located on East 76th Street and Madison Avenue, the 16-story hotel redefines luxury hospitality, bringing Corinthia’s European flair to one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

The Surrey features 70 guest rooms, 30 suites, and 14 private residences, all designed by Martin Brudnizki of MBDS to blend historical influences with contemporary elegance. The suites, inspired by Central Park’s bridges, offer bespoke details like handcrafted Murano chandeliers and customized furniture, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to personalised luxury. Guests can enjoy dedicated butler service in these exclusive suites, enhancing their stay with a highly tailored experience.

The hotel also houses Casa Tua, a famed Italian eatery making its New York debut. Casa Tua offers a curated menu of Italian and Mediterranean flavours, an all-day lounge, and a private members’ club, creating a vibrant social hub within the property.

Wellness takes centre stage at The Surrey Spa, featuring treatments by Sisley Paris. The spa includes a steam room, sauna, and sensorial shower, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city.

The Surrey promises to be a cultural landmark, celebrating New York’s artistic spirit with a curated art collection by VISTO Gallery. The hotel’s elegant design and curated offerings aim to become an Upper East Side mainstay, combining sophistication and the Corinthia hallmark of warmth.

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Gianluigi Buffon Praises Maltese Chocolatier for Incredible Chocolate Statue Tribute

Oct 27 2024

Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has taken to Instagram to acknowledge the stunning life-size chocolate statue unveiled in his honour at the 14th edition of the Hamrun Chocolate Festival.

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A post shared by Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon)

Sharing pictures of the intricately crafted sculpture, Buffon expressed his admiration and gratitude, writing, “My friends from Malta really outdid themselves! This time they left me speechless: a chocolate Buffon… who would have ever imagined it? Special thanks to Tiziano Cassar for the extraordinary work. Congratulations, truly a masterpiece!”

The statue, created by renowned Maltese chocolatier Tiziano Cassar, was a highlight of this year’s festival, attracting thousands of visitors to St. Joseph High Street and surrounding areas. Cassar, known for his previous work including chocolate sculptures of Russell Crowe’s Maximus and Johnny Walker, captured Buffon’s likeness with impressive detail and artistry, leaving fans and visitors in awe.

Buffon’s Instagram post has amplified the chocolatier’s success, with fans from all over sharing their excitement at the football icon’s recognition of Malta’s own chocolatiers.

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Free Parking for Outpatients at Mater Dei Hospital Starting November 1st

Oct 27 2024

From November 1st, outpatients visiting Mater Dei Hospital will benefit from free parking, as announced by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela. The initiative will apply to patients accessing services at the Oncology Hospital (SAMOC), the Outpatients Department, and the Medical Imaging Department for radiology services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI, and nuclear imaging.

Minister Abela highlighted that approximately 55,000 people use these services monthly at Mater Dei Hospital. In response, the government is implementing this initiative to eliminate parking fees for outpatients, making healthcare more accessible and reducing financial burdens.

To benefit from free parking, outpatients must present their appointment details along with their ID card and parking ticket at the hospital’s main reception. The ticket will be validated to ensure no charges are incurred upon exiting the parking facility.

“We believe that a public hospital should be for the people and by the people. It is only right that we implement this patient-friendly measure for the benefit of Maltese and Gozitan patients as soon as possible,” stated Minister Abela.

He also noted that this is the first phase of the initiative, with the government exploring the possibility of extending free parking to relatives visiting their hospitalised family members.

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