Malta International Airport plc (MIA) has signed an agreement with the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) to support its initiatives over the next two years.

MIA CEO, Julian Jaeger, explained that as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility policy, the company wanted to support a sport which is not only obtaining good results on an international level, but which promotes a positive ethos to all those who practise it.

“MIA is constantly aware of its role in Maltese society, not only directly through its investment and commitment in the ongoing development of the tourism industry, but also through its CSR initiatives based on Culture, Community Welfare and Sport,” added Mr Jaeger.

Through this agreement, MIA will be supporting MRFU’s efforts to promote the game of rugby in Malta, especially through the direct sponsorship of the women’s national team, the women’s national league as well as through a Community Outreach programme for more children to start off this sport at a young age.

Commenting about the agreement, MRFU President Martin Galea said that the Union depended on corporate sponsors to develop the game locally. He was thrilled that the MIA decided to choose to help rugby and in particular the women’s national team. He said that the game was growing considerably but emphasised that rugby also promoted its ethos of respect, sportsmanship, camaraderie, inclusivity as well as individual and team skills.

He thanked Mr Jaeger and the MIA and said that he would see tangible results from this investment in a short time.