The Minister for Education and Sport, Byron Camilleri, inaugurated the Mediterranean College of Sport Primary School on Friday.

The Mediterranean College of Sport (MCS) offers its students the opportunity to elevate their academic learning while honing their sporting disciplines in an environment that fosters the development of their skills and talents.

This inauguration marked another step in the development of MCS, after having opened its doors in 2024. Prior to extending its educational services to primary school students now, the MCS was already offering education at secondary and Sixth Form.

The Mediterranean College of Sport welcomed over 360 students today - including 93 at primary level. By the next scholastic year, the College's student population is expected to climb to around 450 students.

The primary school's educational model combines academic learning with a daily sports programme, where students participate in 45-minute sessions in disciplines like gymnastics, swimming and athletics. This approach helps children develop their physical and social skills, while encouraging them to adopt an active lifestyle and discover their talents from an early age.

During the inauguration, Minister Camilleri stated that education and sport play important and complementary roles in the formation of children and young people, while acknowledging the contribution of initiatives that offer different educational opportunities to students.

"Education and sport are not two separate worlds, but two elements that together help in the full development of our children," he said.

The Minister added that the government must continue to encourage having an educational system that offers different options and gives every student the opportunity to reach their potential - both in the academic and sporting fields.

The MCS Head of School, Mariuccia Fenech, stressed the importance of giving equal value to academic learning and sport in the formation of students.

"At the College we attach great importance to both the academic and sporting aspects, because we believe that these two aspects go hand in hand and complement each other. Our vision is that through this educational model, the children who attend our school grow and develop into resilient adults, capable of facing challenges and living their lives to the fullest," she said.

The MCS' chief executive, Charlo Bonnici, mentioned that the primary school began operating last year with two classes, that two more classes have been added this year, and that the school is expected to be complete in the next scholastic year. He mentioned that unlike in its secondary school, where students specialise in their disciplines, "in primary we give them the opportunity to explore various sports, so that towards the end of this level they can choose the sport that interests them most and continue with their studies both at the secondary level and in the Sixth Form of MCS."

The Minister praised the initiative and investment of Vassallo Group in this educational project, while maintaining that the participation of the private sector in education and sport continues to broaden the options available to families. He also thanked the educators and coaches for their contribution, not only in teaching, but also in fostering the character and values ​​of the students.

During the visit, Minister Camilleri visited various facilities at the College, including the Performance Science Centre, the sports facilities and the primary school classrooms, where he met with students and educators. The inauguration was marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.