The past weekend saw the organisation of the first Christmas Festival by the Junior Commission of the Malta Volleyball Association, an event which also forms part of the Ċaqlaq Programme being implemented by the MVA on behalf of Fundación MAPFRE, within the context of the European Volleyball Federation's (CEV) Europe-wide 'Play Volleyball - Let's Grow With It'.

The festival brought together around 100 children aged 14 and under from the volleyball clubs' various nurseries as well as those participating Sport Malta programmes. The young participants took part in a tournament held in a festive environment, following which they were all presented with a volleyball courtesy of Fundación MAPFRE.

The children were also regaled with the presence of the President of the Republic, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who met and addressed those present. The President highlighted the importance of the recreational role of sporting activities like volleyball, which also helps to bring together children from all backgrounds in an environment of friendship and teamwork.

Fundación MAPFRE's Ċaqlaq Programme is currently touring local schools, promoting the value of physical exercise. The MVA's Technical Director and national team coach, Edvaldo Carvalho da Silva, together with his team, has been leading the initaitive, by means of sessions introducing a range of volleyball-related skills.

Commenting on the event, MVA President Jes Saliba highlighted the importance of sports in providing a safe, healthy recreational environment for children, while fostering a culture of tolerance and an environment built around inclusion.

He thanked the volleyball clubs for promoting these values  and praised Fundación MAPFRE's role in support of the local community and especially it's dedication to children's well-being.

He added: "Thanks to our partnership with Fundación MAPFRE's the MVA has taken the values of physical exercise and the fun of volleyball to thousands of Maltese children."

Saliba added that over the past two years the number of children taking up the sport of volleyball has increased considerably, with nine teams being registered to participate in the U14 National League this season.

The MVA president also thanked the CEV for believing in the Maltese project, as well as   the local authorities for supporting the implementation of this nation-wide initiative.