Athletics Malta Welcomes Government Support for Athletes and Seeks to Expand International Role

Athletics Malta has welcomed the Government’s announcement in the Budget speech introducing ten days of sports leave for eligible elite athletes and accompanying technical and medical staff employed in the private sector when representing Malta at major international competitions.

The measure recognises the commitment required of athletes who balance their professional responsibilities with the demands of competing at the highest level for their country. It comes at a time when Athletics Malta is working to secure further investment and support for the sport, with new initiatives being developed in collaboration with the Ministry for Education and Sport and SportMalta.

Alongside these efforts, Athletics Malta continues to strengthen Malta’s presence within international athletics, building relationships and pursuing opportunities through its participation in European and regional meetings.

Athletics Malta Treasurer Stefania Cilia Caligari attended the Congress for the Balkan Countries and their extended members, where delegates discussed and approved the calendar of events and host countries for 2027. Discussions also highlighted the importance of encouraging more countries to host major athletics competitions, creating further opportunities for the sport to grow across the region.

Meanwhile, Athletics Malta President Mario Bonello attended the European Athletics (EAA) Annual Convention, where discussions addressed key priorities for the development of athletics, including mass participation, outreach, digitalisation, risk management and good governance.

He also participated in the meeting of the Small European States, which reviewed the 2026 season and considered future developments, including proposed reforms to the Challenger Cup. Malta’s second-place finish among 15 participating nations in the 2026 competition was a notable achievement and reflected the strength of the country’s athletes on the international stage.

During the Convention, European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov acknowledged Athletics Malta’s continued efforts to develop the sport locally. European Athletics has also approved a major conference to be held in Malta, with further details expected to be announced at a later stage. The decision presents an important opportunity to raise Malta’s profile within European athletics and further develop the country’s role as a host of international competitions.

Athletics Malta is keen to build on these opportunities and host more major international events once its ongoing infrastructure projects are completed. The Association’s ambition to expand its hosting capacity takes on particular significance as it approaches its centenary in 2028, marking 100 years since its establishment.

Commenting on these developments, Athletics Malta President Mario Bonello said:

“Recognising the commitment of athletes through measures such as sports leave, alongside continued investment in infrastructure, is an important step forward. These developments complement our efforts to create more opportunities for Maltese athletes to compete internationally and for Malta to host major events. By investing in our athletes and strengthening our facilities, we can raise the profile of athletics in Malta, build on our international achievements and inspire the next generation.”