The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, has said that the construction of an athletics track in Gozo is the island’s “next step,” following its Sports and Aquatic Pavillion project, to boost results and participation in sports. He said that through a new athletics track, athletes will be better equipped to succeed.

“I believe that these are just the beginning, because the chain of facilities that we have for the island of Gozo, while here we have many new, important and international standard facilities, there are still some facilities that need to be built, and here I mention the athletics track,” Minister Camilleri said, “It is perhaps one of the last facilities, and sometimes almost the most important, that we do not yet have on the island of Gozo.”

Minister Camilleri said this during a discussion meeting themed around youth and sports in Gozo, which was held at the Sports and Aquatic Pavillion. This discussion centred around the importance of sports infrastructure and opportunities for young people, particularly in Gozo.

He said that the government remains committed to continue investing in modern, international-level sports facilities.

During this discussion, it was noted that while significant progress has been made, there still lies a need for more investment – particularly in the construction of an athletics track, which remains an important facility needed in Gozo.

Camilleri also referred to the Pavillion in Rabat, Gozo, stating that it is being appreciated by locals and visitors alike and that its construction was an important step forward for sports development in Gozo. On this, GUG President Matthew Grech called the Sports and Aquatic Pavillion as not only a “crucial” project in bolstering the sports sector, but also as one that has offered new opportunities, including as a tourist niche and as a space where young people can develop their sporting careers.

Minister Camilleri observed that Gozo is already hosting national and international competitions, including for water polo and artistic dance events. He said that in the future, more high-level events will be organised there, including, for instance, some of the disciplines in the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games.

In this discussion meeting, athletes Charlton Debono and Matthew Xuereb shared their experiences and highlighted the importance of participating in high-level international competitions in order to improve the sporting level. They also talked about their emotions in representing Gozo abroad, particularly in events such as the Island Games.

Minister Camilleri also spoke about social measures assisting Gozitan students, including the introduction of a subsidy worth €280 each month to Gozitan students who study in Malta. He said that this subsidy “is combined with the national stipend, which was recently increased by 15%, so that students can focus more on their studies.”

The President of the Gozo University Group (GUG), Matthew Grech, said that this financial grant has been of concrete assistance to Gozitan students in recent years. He also emphasised the need for more initiatives that improve collaboration between students – including for dedicated spaces, like hubs, in Gozo – to be introduced.

The Gozo Minister stressed the government’s commitment towards social mobility, i.e., for every young man and woman to have equal opportunities, regardless of where they come from. It was added that the government remains committed to continue carrying out strategic investments in sports and education in order to create more opportunities for young people to boost their potential.