Over 1,200 children have participated in the activities of Skolasport during the scholastic year 2006-2007. The programme, organised by Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport and sponsored by Kellogg’s, aims to increase the participation of sports amongst children and teenagers, and to encourage them to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Skolasport offers a Foundation Programme for children aged between 5 and 7 years. This year, a total of 650 children enrolled in this programme, which trains children in basic motor skills and educational gymnastics through fun and diverse activities.
A Participation Programme is also available for children between 8 and 10 years old, as well as a Performance Programme for young people aged between 11 and 16 years. These two programmes allow young people and children to experience different sports disciplines and further their training in their favourite sport.
Over 450 youngsters have taken up the sport of their choice in the year 2006-2007.
This year, Skolasport has also introduced a number of new disciplines, including golf and an adventure programme. The recently-introduced disciplines in Skolasport, go-karting and sailing have proven to be exceptionally popular amongst young people.
Skolasport is the starting point for many children in their discovery and enjoyment of sport, some of which develop into successful athletes as adults. The programme also teaches children the value of participation and fair play, which is very important in their early development.
Kellogg’s sponsors Skolasport to contribute to the encouragement of a healthier lifestyle for the children and adults in Malta. This is the eighth consecutive year that Kellogg’s has offered its support to the sports programme.
Skolasport operates in various localities, utilising both private and government owned sport complexes and facilites on a national level. The National Swimming Pool has been upgraded substantially while the top three complexes, namely the Cottonera, University and Marsa Sports Grounds will be joined by the St. Benedict’s Kirkop Complex next year to embrace children hailing from Zurrieq to Siggiewi areas.
Private organisations and clubs are partnering with Skolasport to offer their top class facilities, such as Eden Super Bowl, The Marsa Golf Club, Vikings and B’Buga Sailing Clubs, Badger Karting Club, Gymstars, Vittoriosa and Kordin Tennis Clubs.
Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport emphasizes the importance that coaches engaged with Skolasport should either be qualified PE Teachers teaching in primary and secondary schools, University Students following a PE Course, MCAST Students studying fitness in sport, or qualified coaches in that particular field of sport.
The existing sport syllabi was evaluated and upgraded by academic qualified persons. The coaching programmes embrace different age groups with programmes designed on physical activity, recreational games, sport education, fun and enjoyment, fair play, fitness and talent development.
Skolasport has become an important tool in the process where Maltese athletes and non-athletes are benefiting from the pleasure and satisfaction that sports generates.
For more information on the activities of Skolasport and the next scholastic year, visit www.sportmalta.org.mt, or contact Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, Cottonera Sports Complex on 21660658/9 or by e-mail on [email protected].