Passing the Torch: Malta Launches Women in Sport Mentorship Programme

The Maltese Olympic Committee (KOM), through its Media, Technical and Women in Sport Commissions, has officially launched Passing the Torch: Women in Sport Mentorship Programme to mark International Women’s Day. Developed in collaboration with Commonwealth Sport Malta, the initiative forms part of the preparations for the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games and highlights a shared commitment to empowering young female athletes.

This 12‑month pilot programme, running from April 2026 to March 2027, pairs promising female athletes aged 14 to 18 with some of Malta’s most accomplished sportswomen. Mentors include Olympians and international competitors such as Eleanor Bezzina, Elaine Genovese, Diane Desira, Joanna Camilleri and Michelle Vella Wood. The selected athletes represent a wide range of disciplines including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, sailing, squash, taekwondo, triathlon, water polo and weightlifting.

Built on one‑to‑one mentorship and structured group sessions, the programme focuses on goal‑setting, confidence, communication, resilience and balancing sport with education. KOM officials emphasised that the initiative aims not only to enhance performance but also to strengthen long‑term athlete development and female leadership in sport.

As a pilot, Passing the Torch will measure its impact on confidence, retention and athlete engagement, with the long‑term vision of establishing a sustainable mentorship model for future generations.

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