The finals week of the Malta School Games 2025 officially commenced today with a vibrant ceremony at the Basketball Sports Complex in Ta' Qali, launching the concluding stage of a months-long national sporting initiative that has engaged thousands of students across Malta and Gozo, the Education Ministry said.
Around 2,000 finalists from 50 state, private and independent schools are now competing in this last phase, having been selected from preliminary rounds held since February.
The Malta School Games, coordinated by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, bring together students aged 9 to 16 to compete in various disciplines including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, table tennis and athletics.
The events are taking place at prominent venues such as the Ta' Qali Basketball Pavilion, the Ta' Qali Training Grounds, the Institute for Physical Education and Sport, the National Swimming Pool, the Cottonera Sports Complex and the Matthew Micallef St John Stadium in Marsa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, said the Games are "a celebration of holistic education - where sport trains not only the physical but also the character." He highlighted the government's ongoing investment in physical education, including increased PE lessons in schools, as part of a broader vision to foster a physically and mentally healthy generation.
The Malta School Games began earlier this year with a symbolic torch relay that visited each college across the islands, marking the spirit of unity and participation. Since then, thousands of students have taken part in preliminary competitions that culminate in this week-long celebration of sport and teamwork.
Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana also addressed the participants, emphasising the role of sport in personal development. "These inter-school games, the finals of which coincide with the Public Service Expo, are marking something we believe in," Sultana stated. "Participation in sport and physical activities builds strong characters. Through discipline, sacrifice and effort, we achieve results that honour not just ourselves but also our families and country."
Permanent Secretary for Education Matthew Vella echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Malta School Games promote not only competition but also values of inclusion, teamwork and education beyond the classroom. "We are placing our students at the centre of everything we do, celebrating their growth in character as much as their achievements in sport," he said. "Together with educators and the sports sector, we are shaping the future of our society."
Throughout the week, the focus will remain not only on athletic performance but also on fostering friendships, discipline and a love for physical activity. The initiative highlights the government's broader educational goals of inclusivity and well-being through physical education, and aims to leave a lasting impact on participating students.