As of Sunday, all youths born between 2005 and 2007 can make use of six months of gym memberships, fully paid by the government.
Announcing the scheme at an event at the Mediterranean College of Sport, Prime Minister Robert Abela described this scheme as another measure boosting quality of life.
Any youths interested in making the most out of a free 6-month gym membership can enjoy this scheme by applying online on the website: http://youthfitness.gov.mt/. Youths who apply for a paid-for half-year gym membership will have the choice to select from over 60 gyms across the Maltese islands that are participating in this initiative.
This measure targets approximately 12,000 youths in the country today.
This policy initiative was announced in last year’s annual budget.
During the launch of this government policy on Sunday morning, many young people involved in physical activity-centred lifestyles were present alongside the Prime Minister and the Minister for Sport, Clifton Grima.
Prime Minister Abela described this measure to be very close to his heart, as it should instil a love for sport and physical activity to many of the young people who make the most of it. In his view, this will foster a better quality of life and a quality future for the Maltese and Gozitan population.
Speaking to the young people present for this inauguration at the Mediterranean College of Sport in Birkirkara, Abela stressed that the message being promoted by this initiative is more important than the financial investment that the Government is making to enable beneficiaries to enjoy a free 6-month gym membership.
“The message is one in favour of the importance of physical activity from a young age. This is because I believe that if we start a routine featuring physical activity, it will stay with you for the rest of your life,” said Prime Minister Robert Abela.
The Prime Minister also noted his satisfaction that the Government has delivered this measure and thanked the 60+ gyms who have joined in this initiative.
The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, stated that this policy is a clear example of how investing in sport and youth can unite an entire community around a healthy and positive lifestyle.
He said that through this scheme, the Government is also investing in the promotion of a new mentality.
“We are giving young people the push they need to choose a more active and balanced life, and with that, we will be building a stronger future for our country,” Minister Grima said.
Following this inauguration, the Mediterranean College of Sport organised a programme of workouts and physical activity competitions. These were hosted by Alex Eubank and Greg Doucette – two figures who are globally renowned among this sector.