Young Maltese Athlete Andreas Aquilina Bondin Wins International Competition

Oct 10 2024

Andreas Aquilina Bondin, a 17-year-old Maltese student and rising star in flat-water racing, is rapidly gaining recognition on the international stage.

Known for his exceptional talent, Aquilina Bondin has not only dominated the national canoeing scene but has also proven his capabilities in high-profile international competitions.

At the recent International Sarcidano Race 2024 held at San Sebastiano Lake in Isili, Italy, Aquilina Bondin once again showcased his skills, securing multiple victories despite challenging headwinds.

His strategic paddling and technical precision earned him first place in several categories, including the K1 500m Junior Men, K1 200m Junior Men, and K2 200m Junior Men events.

In addition to these triumphs, Aquilina Bondin delivered an impressive performance in the highly competitive K2 200m – Mix Senior category, where he finished second, competing against older athletes born in 2003 and 2004.

His consistent achievements have cemented his reputation as one of the leading athletes in regional canoeing, and he continues to bring pride to Malta through his remarkable performances on the international stage.

As a young athlete with immense potential, Aquilina Bondin’s success signals a bright future ahead for Maltese canoeing.

#MaltaDaily

Kastilja Lights Up Green In Awareness Of Mental Health

Oct 10 2024

Last night, the Office of the Prime Minister, more commonly known as Kastilja, was illuminated in green as part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about mental health.

The symbolic gesture highlights the government’s commitment to bringing attention to mental health issues, a topic that has increasingly gained prominence in Malta over recent years.

Malta has made significant strides in promoting mental health awareness, with a growing focus on addressing the challenges and stigma surrounding mental illness.

This recent act of lighting up Kastilja in green reflects the state’s ongoing dedication to shedding light on mental health concerns and prioritising the well-being of its citizens.

It serves as a visible reminder of the importance of open conversations, early intervention, and increased support for those affected by mental health issues.

#MaltaDaily

Sliema Mayor John Pillow Posts Heartwarming Message Towards Elderly Citizens

Oct 10 2024

Sliema Mayor John Pillow recently shared a heartfelt message on his Facebook account, expressing his deep appreciation for the elderly population in both Sliema and across Malta.

In his post, Pillow emphasized the importance of kindness and respect, urging his followers to show compassion to everyone, but especially to Malta’s elderly citizens, who often deserve extra care and attention.

To accompany his message, Mayor Pillow posted a touching photograph of himself assisting an elderly woman as she crossed the street, even carrying her bag to ease her burden.

His post quickly garnered a wave of positive responses, with many applauding his gesture and thoughtful words. Among those who commended him was former PN leader Adrian Delia, who encouraged the mayor to “keep up the good work,” highlighting the widespread appreciation for Pillow’s dedication to the community.

#MaltaDaily

Church Collections Up To €2.9 Million In 2023

Oct 10 2024

In 2023, church collections in Malta reached over €2.9 million, the highest in a decade, according to the Archdiocese’s financial report.

This marks a 20% increase from 2022, with a significant rise attributed to the growing number of Catholic non-Maltese residents.

Church collections had previously peaked at €2.6 million from 2017 to 2019 but dropped to €1.5 million and €1.9 million during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

Despite the increase in collections, there is a projected decline in local Mass attendance. The most recent Sunday Mass attendance census in 2017 showed a drop from 81.9% in 1967 to 37%, with predictions of just 10% attendance by 2040.

The rise in foreign residents in Malta, which increased by over 95,000 in the past decade, is seen as a contributing factor to the boost in church collections.

Non-Maltese nationals now make up over 22% of the population, with EU citizens comprising one-third. Italians represent the largest foreign group at 12%, followed by British residents at 9%. Indian and Filipino communities each account for just under 7% of the foreign population.

#MaltaDaily