The National Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity was published today with the theme: "Aiming Higher", following consultation with 350 people, over 40 various organisations, and various studies including an economic impact assessment.
The goal of the strategy is to "drive the nation forward towards a new culture of physical activity and sport by promoting an inclusive framework for participants at all levels," it read.
The €36 million to be made available for new sport facilities (€30 million) and athlete training (€6 million) will add onto the €11 million already given to SportMalta annually, and will come from the citizenship scheme fund.
Speaking at the press conference, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that this strategy was "a commitment for tomorrow - a commitment to people, in athletes, and in children", describing sports as an ambition and a career.
Muscat announced that the 2023 Small States games, which are coincidentally being hosted by Malta, will be the nation's first target.
He also encouraged sports organisations to prepare and present strategies and plans so that the government will then be prepared to help them "professionalise" themselves.
"We are not creating a strategy to simply say we have a strategy - this is a guideline to be able to guide organisations," he explained, noting that "we've looked at facilities as an end, rather than a means to an end".
Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clifton Grima said that this strategy was like the planting of seeds - the fruits of which would be a leap ahead in quality, a change in mentality, and success abroad.
He maintained that he expects a medal in every competition Malta takes part in, and said that whilst one should respect the independent of such (sports) organisations, there must also be an agreement of responsibility, particularly with regards to having a plan is funds are asked for.
"When they are wearing the red colours and the emblem of Malta, they enter a different dimension and become ambassadors for our country."
Strategic Values & Strategic Pillars
The five strategic values that will be serving as a guiding principle include being determined in our attitude; being inclusive in our practices; being integrated in our approach; being accountable in our operations; being innovative in our organisations.
The seven strategic pillars include Education, Participation & Quality of Life, Facilities, Industry, Gozo, Integrity, and High-Performance.
Photo by Alenka Falzon