SportMalta Marks a Decade of Progress at ‘Celebrating Sport in Malta’ Conference

Jan 10 2025

The ‘Celebrating Sport in Malta’ conference has commemorated ten years of SportMalta’s work, focusing on advancements in infrastructure, athlete support, and the hosting of international sports events. The two-day event was opened by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima, who acknowledged the significant progress achieved over the last decade.

SportMalta’s efforts have included substantial investments in facilities such as the Marsa Sports Hub and the National Swimming Pool, which will again host the Champions League Final 4 this year. Work also continues on projects like the car track in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation.

New initiatives were announced, including an after-school sports programme to encourage wider participation and a six-month free gym membership for youths born between 2005 and 2007. Preparations for the Small Countries Games were also highlighted.

Keynote speakers included local and international experts such as European Aquatics President Prof. António Silva and EOSE CEO Aurélien Favre.

SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar and Permanent Secretary Matthew Vella credited their teams for the successes achieved, emphasising their dedication to advancing sports in Malta over the past ten years.

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Birkirkara FC Bring Back Original Colours For 75th Anniversary

Jan 10 2025

Taking to social media, Birkirkara FC revealed that they will be bringing back their original colours to honour their roots for their 75th anniversary.

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A post shared by Birkirkara Football Club (@birkirkarafc_official)

‘Here’s to our legacy and the journey ahead’, wrote the club as they shared a video of three star players donning the brand new outfit.

Tag a Birkirkara FC supporter!

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€154 Million in Social Benefits Distributed Over Four Weeks

Jan 10 2025

The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights has allocated €154 million to pensions and social benefits in the past four weeks, reflecting increases introduced in the 2025 Budget. By year-end, total spending on pensions and benefits is projected to reach €1.6 billion, marking a record level of social investment.

During a press conference, it was highlighted that support for families with children and low- to middle-income households has risen significantly, increasing from €50 million in 2013 to €152 million this year. Payments announced for this weekend include pensions for widowed individuals and benefits for illness, unemployment, and workplace injuries.

According to Permanent Secretary Mark Musù, €17 million has been allocated to 18,044 widows in the first four weeks of the year, including an €8 weekly increase. Adjustments to align widows’ pensions with those of deceased spouses are expected by May.

In addition, €1.4 million will be distributed as sickness assistance to 9,414 individuals, with temporary benefits provided for illness, injury, or unemployment. Unemployment assistance recipients have fallen to a record low of 212.

Revised capital asset limits for non-contributory benefits, including pensions and medical assistance, have also been announced, increasing thresholds for eligibility for both married couples and single individuals.

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Second Inter-Connector Between Sicily & Malta To Go Ahead

Jan 10 2025

During a press conference, Minister for Environment, Energy & the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli announced that the Italian permit for Malta’s development of the second inter-connector has been approved and issued.

The inter-connector will link Sicily and Malta and thus provide another source of clean energy for Malta.

‘This is another important step in the fulfilment of a vision for cleaner energy in our country’, said Dalli, thanking Interconnect Malta workers for their ongoing commitment.

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