“A new Nationalist Government will build on the successes we have achieved and will address the challenges in this sector, including through the appointment of a Minister dedicated to sport, stated PN Leader Bernard Grech.

In a meeting on Sunday with presidents, secretaries, and officials of sports organisations, as well as a number of athletes, Grech listened to their concerns, proposals, difficulties, and suggestions during a dialogue session with athletes and sports organisations officials as part of the preparation process for the Party’s electoral programme for the upcoming general election. .

Also present at the meeting was in fact George Vital Zammit, who is responsible for drafting the PN’s electoral programme, together with Shadow Minister for Sport David Agius.

The connection between education and sport was discussed by Lara Tonna, a lecturer at the University of Malta, and Anna Maria Gatt, a lecturer at MCAST. In this regard, the Leader of the PN emphasised the importance of sport in education and the need for qualified teachers to train students.

“The Nationalist Party believes that every individual should have the opportunity to practice sport,” said Grech. Professor Joseph Grima from the Malta Paralympic Committee spoke about the link between sport and both physical and mental health.

Grech went on to say that “a new Nationalist Government will strengthen its relationship with these organisations and ensure all necessary support.”

Renzo Kerr Cumbo, President of the Malta Sports Coaches Association, stressed the importance of recognising the significant role of coaches.

Grech stated that the PN is committed to ensuring there are full-time employees with sports associations. “A new Nationalist Government will also remove the tax on part-time work related to sport and will cover 20% of travel expenses when an athlete represents Malta in international competitions.”

The theme of sport in the community was discussed with Antoine Attard, a councillor and senior athlete. Grech said that the PN believes that a plan should be developed with local councils to increase active participation in the communities and is committed, together with local councils, to finding spaces for outdoor sports.

Football was another topic discussed during the meeting. Maria Azzopardi, Vice-President of the MFA, outlined the MFA’s plan to achieve better results in this sport. Mark Borg, President of Futsal, discussed the need for a national vision for infrastructure for small sports associations. The need for infrastructure that meets international standards was also highlighted by Antoine Attard, a sports administrator. Bernard Grech stated that a new Nationalist Government is committed to ensuring that every association has a building from which to operate.

Photo: PN

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