The government has launched the FitMAP-Malta project, a national initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of adolescents through fitness monitoring.
The project was introduced by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, alongside Professor Andrew Decelis from the University of Malta's Institute for Physical Education and Sport and Director General Jude Zammit.
Developed in collaboration with FitBack Europe, the initiative seeks to establish a national fitness monitoring system that promotes physical literacy and encourages an active lifestyle among students.
"The National Education Strategy has a strong foundation built on the well-being of the person," Minister Grima stated. "As a government, we have pledged to improve student well-being and encourage an active lifestyle while raising awareness of the importance of keeping oneself active." He emphasised that the project is not about competition but about self-awareness, allowing students to better understand their physical abilities and areas for improvement.
Professor Decelis described FitMAP-Malta as a significant step in advancing physical literacy, noting, "FitMAP-Malta will not only offer detailed knowledge about the physical fitness youth but will also provide the necessary tools to encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle." He highlighted the use of scientifically validated monitoring methods, enabling students to track their fitness levels and set personal improvement goals with the help of Physical Education teachers.
The project will initially be launched in six state secondary schools, where 12 trained physical education teachers will implement the best practices based on international guidelines set by FitBack Europe. The monitoring system will include exercises developed through expert consensus from 169 specialists across 50 countries.
Director General Jude Zammit stressed the role of physical activity in students' lives, stating, "FitMAP-Malta will not only help us better understand students' fitness levels, but it will also serve as a tool to encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle among our youth." He added that the initiative builds on the ministry's ongoing efforts to integrate sport and movement into education.
A key feature of the programme is an interactive toolkit developed by FitBack Europe, which will allow students to create personalised fitness reports, set improvement goals, and track progress. Teachers will also benefit from the system, as it enables them to conduct group assessments and tailor physical education programmes to better suit students' needs.
The data collected through FitMAP-Malta is expected to serve as a foundation for future national policies supporting adolescent fitness and well-being. "By implementing a national fitness monitoring system, Malta will be better positioned to develop evidence-based strategies that foster a culture of active living among young people," Prof. Decelis noted.
With this initiative, Malta aims to equip adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to lead active and fulfilling lives, while aligning with international standards in youth health and fitness development.