The Labour Party has announced in a statement that investment in sport will continue to be a central pillar of national policy, with a new pilot programme of free swimming lessons for children designed to improve wellbeing, discipline and healthy lifestyles from an early age.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the introduction of the swimming lessons within the first 100 days of the current legislature was a "conscious and considered decision" aimed at making sport more accessible to children across Malta and Gozo.

Speaking during a visit to the swimming pool at the Cottonera Sports Complex, Abela met coaches and administrators from swimming schools providing training to children.

He said that free access to swimming lessons would help instil healthy habits from a young age, while also fostering values such as discipline and independence.

The Prime Minister emphasised that sport would remain high on government's agenda, adding that continued investment in the sector directly contributes to improved wellbeing for both Maltese and Gozitan communities.

The pilot project will be introducing free swimming lessons for children from Cottonera aged 3 to 5.

He added that following the pilot phase in Cottonera, the free swimming lessons programme is expected to be expanded to other localities across the country.

The initiative will be administered by Sport Malta.

During the visit, Abela also met representatives of the voluntary organisation Just Keep Swimming, led by instructor Leanne Xuereb Ungaro, which offers specialised swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

The programme aims to build confidence and provide a safe, supportive environment for participants.

According to Xuereb Ungaro, these lessons help children feel more secure and confident in the water, while also improving focus and calmness afterwards. She added that holding sessions during school hours has made the programme particularly beneficial for children with disabilities.

Government noted that this initiative builds on earlier programmes introduced in recent months offering free swimming lessons for children with autism, reinforcing a broader strategy of inclusion through sport.

Accompanying the Prime Minister during the visit were Education and Sport Minister Byron Camilleri and Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations Minister Julia Farrugia.