Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri has said that despite the progress made in sports infrastructure, there is still a need for further investment, particularly in the construction of an athletics track, which remains an important facility needed in Gozo.

He stated that sports infrastructure remains essential to increasing results and participation in sports, and that the Government is committed to continuing to invest in modern and international-level facilities, including an athletics track in Gozo, so that athletes can succeed.

This was stated during a discussion meeting for Gozo with the theme Youth and Sports, which was held at the Sports and Aquatics Pavilion. focusing on the importance of sports infrastructure and opportunities for young people, with a particular emphasis on Gozo.

Minister Camilleri highlighted the Sports and Aquatics Pavilion in Rabat, Gozo, which is being well received both locally and by foreign visitors, and which was an important step forward for the development of sport on the island.

President of the Gozo University Group, Matthew Grech, described this Pavilion as a ”crucial project that not only strengthens sports, but also offers new opportunities, including as a tourist niche and as a means for young people to develop a career in sport.”

The Minister noted how Gozo is already hosting national and international competitions, including water polo and artistic dance events, while in the future it will host more high-level events, including part of the disciplines of the 2027 Youth Commonwealth Games.

Athletes Charlton Debono and Matthew Xuereb shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of participating in international competitions in order to improve the sporting level, as well as the emotional value of representing Gozo abroad, particularly in events such as the Island Games.

Minister Camilleri said that, “I believe that these are just the beginning, because the array 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 – the athletics track. 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.”

The Minister also spoke about social measures in favour of Gozitan students, including, “the introduction of a subsidy of €280 per month to Gozitan students who come to study in Malta. This is combined with the national stipend which was recently increased by 15%, so that students can focus more on their studies.”

The GUG President noted that ”this financial grant has been of concrete assistance to Gozitan students in recent years,” while emphasising the need to continue introducing initiatives that strengthen collaboration between students, including dedicated spaces such as hubs in Gozo.

The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to social mobility, ”so that every young man and woman have equal opportunities, regardless of where they come from.”

”The Government remains committed to continuing strategic investments in sport and education, in order to create more opportunities for young people and strengthen their potential,” he said.

Photo: DOI

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