Minister for Education and Sport Clifton Grima said that the government has channelled over €33 million in direct funding to local sports associations in seven years, a milestone marked by the launch of SportMalta's new 'Let's Move Malta' programme, a government statement said.
The Minister was speaking during the official transition of SportMalta's "On the Move" initiative into "Let's Move Malta".
"In recent years, we have witnessed a major leap in quality in such an important sector for our country, the sports sector. This is not only thanks to the investment in sports infrastructure, but also through the direct financial support we are providing to athletes, associations, and sports organisations," Grima said.
He said that in the past seven years, government has given over €33 million in financial assistance, and this year alone, almost €5.5 million to a record 51 associations.
This assistance is provided through various SportMalta schemes, including the International Participation Scheme and the Sport Tourism Scheme.
Associations also benefit from subsidised leases for sports facilities and financial collaboration with the Malta Olympic Committee, Special Olympics Malta, and the Paralympic Committee, the statement said.
Athletes also benefit from other schemes such as flexi-training, paid sports leave, and the Sponsorship Rebate Scheme, it said.
"This financial support is allowing sports associations to operate with greater flexibility, to continue developing their various disciplines not only through investment in facilities but also directly in athletes themselves," Grima said.
He continued that this is leading to strong results, as Malta's name is being mentioned more often for its significant achievements in international competitions.
The statement said that the official transition from On the Move to Let's Move Malta marks an evolution showing SportMalta's commitment to increasing opportunities for physical activity and promoting healthier, more active lifestyles within the community.
Following the success of Summer on the Move 2025, which attracted over 3,000 participants across Malta and Gozo, the launch of Let's Move Malta represented an important step forward in expanding the accessibility, variety, and quality of community sports programmes.
As part of this new phase, SportMalta is introducing extended Sport Fundamentals sessions, now lasting 90 minutes instead of 60, giving children more time to build physical literacy, motor skills, and confidence in a supportive environment.
It is also introducing a Parents and Toddlers (2.5-3 years) 22-week programme designed to enhance fundamental movement skills through joint participation in land and water-based activities, helping young children develop agility, balance, coordination, and water confidence with active parental support.
Another SportMalta initiative is a Teen Adventure programme for ages 12-16, a 28-week initiative offering diverse experiences ranging from outdoor sports and challenges to practical life skills such as first aid and water safety. It aims to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience, the statement said.
It is also introducing the SportMalta Hubs programme, in collaboration with sports clubs and associations, which will make sport more inclusive and accessible, guiding participants to join clubs and advance their athletic development.
SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar said that through Let's Move Malta, the agency continues to reaffirm its vision for the sports sector.