New sports facilities were inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Sta Klara College, Girls' Lyceum in Pembroke yesterday, with Lawrence Gonzi saying the government wanted the colleges to be well equipped for sports activities which could also be used by local sports associations and the community.

The facilities include a 300m track in the school's parade ground, two basketball courts, two netball courts, a volleyball court and a handball court, and a football ground. A multi-purpose sport hall was also created for various disciplines such as gymnastics. There is also a games room, a fitness gym, changing rooms and showers.

Dr Gonzi said that this year the government started implementing a scheme giving tax benefits aiming to encourage sports. Some fees charged for sports activities in different disciplines are being partly tax exempt, for instance, and sports associations and investors in sports capital projects are also enjoying fiscal benefits.

He also had words of praise for Sta Klara College's work which, though in its initial stages, was already creating a sense of unity between the schools forming the college.