The European Week of Sport 2026 has been launched – running from the 23rd to the 30th of September, it will feature a series of activities across Malta and Gozo aimed at encouraging more people to make sport and physical activity part of their daily lives.
With the theme #BeActiveYourWay, this year’s campaign conveys the message that everyone can find their own way to be more active, regardless of age, ability, or activity level. Consequently, opportunities for participation will be created throughout the week in schools, communities, workplaces, and through sports organisations, with the goal of making physical activity a more regular part of everyday life.
This year’s programme was presented during the official launch organised by SportMalta, the entity coordinating the initiative in Malta. The European Week of Sport will bring together sports organisations, schools, communities, and other partners through a range of initiatives designed to bring sport and physical activity to more people.
It was explained that European Week of Sport is part of a broader effort to increase participation in sport and physical activity. This includes investment in sports facilities, the strengthening of grassroots sports and clubs, support for coaches, and the creation of more opportunities to make sport open and accessible to everyone. The aim is for more people to have the opportunity to become active and, above all, to remain active well beyond the initiatives of this week.
Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri stated that the Government’s ambition extends beyond the activities organised during this week; the goal is for more people to make sport and physical activity a part of their lives.
“Our goal is not merely a Malta that is active for a single week, but a Malta that chooses to be more active every day. Sport and physical activity are important not only for physical health but also for mental well-being and quality of life. We want to build a culture that begins with our children, grows with our youth, and stays with us throughout our lives. As a Government, we want to continue making that first step easier for everyone: by investing in quality facilities, strengthening clubs and grassroots initiatives, supporting those who work in sport daily, and removing barriers to participation. Because participation precedes success, and the first step always comes before every medal,” he said.
Minister Camilleri also emphasised that this effort must begin at an early age and that sport should play a significant role in the educational experience. Through sport, children and young people not only become more active but also learn discipline, sacrifice, and the importance of commitment, while developing skills that will remain with them throughout their lives. Schools should therefore also be spaces where children are given the opportunity to discover sports, uncover their talents, and build a positive relationship with physical activity from a young age.
Rose Marie Mercieca, the National Coordinator for the European Week of Sport, explained that the initiative aims to encourage more people to participate in sports and physical activity as part of a healthier lifestyle.
The programme is open to all ages and abilities and involves a wide range of partners. The initiatives will also include activities centred on traditional sports, ensuring that – alongside the promotion of various disciplines and forms of physical activity – local sporting heritage is also highlighted.
The European Week of Sport is an annual initiative by the European Commission that has been promoting the #BeActive message across Europe since 2015. In Malta, this effort is coordinated by SportMalta and implemented through collaboration with schools, local councils, workplaces, sports organisations, NGOs, and other partners.
Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri