The Gold Award has been awarded to 22 young people who successfully completed the five stages in The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The ceremony was held at San Anton Palace and the awarded were presented by Her Excellency the President of Malta, H. E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, and Mr Kenneth de Martino, Chairman of the Award.

The distinguished award offers an exciting self-development programme equipping participants with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world around them. The activities involve adventure, physical recreation, human skills and community service, as well as residential experiences.

President Coleiro Preca praised the young awardees for their commitment and perseverance in completing the challenges in the programme. Mr de Martino congratulated the young people on joining the "ever-growing family of Gold Award Holders in Malta" and commended them for their efforts to trigger change in the practical way.

The Award has, over the years, continued to increase in both numbers and popularity thanks to the devoted leaders and helpers who volunteer their time and energy to assist our youths to further develop their skills and abilities.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is the world's foremost youth achievement award, running in over 130 countries and territories. It was founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in conjunction with revolutionary German educationalist Kurt Hahn.