Between the 11th and 13th of September, another edition of the Urban Sports Festival will be held at Bajja s-Sabiħa in Birżebbuġa with the participation of Maltese athletes and athletes from six foreign countries.
This was announced by the Minister for Youth, Welfare and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Omar Farrugia when he was launching this Festival during which competitions will be held for athletes practicing BMX, skateboarding, scooter, roller skating, parkour, breaking, panna football and 3×3 basketball.
In addition to Maltese athletes, other athletes from Greece, Colombia, Latvia, the United States of America, Germany and France will also participate in the Festival.
Minister Farrugia said that the Urban Sports Festival will be, “an occasion during the weekend where families can come to the beautiful skatepark of Birżebbuġa where children and young people compete in different sports disciplines in an attractive atmosphere for the whole family. I look forward to young people being given these spaces they deserve where their well-being improves with each passing day.”
Also speaking was President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Founder and Executive Chairperson of The Malta Trust Foundation, who welcomed this annual initiative, at the Birżebbuġa Skatepark, built by The Malta Trust Foundation. “It is gratifying because such an initiative places young people at the centre of the national effort for their wellbeing and development.” She said that sport has a unique power to unite people, build confidence, strengthen social skills and promote positive physical and mental health.
Dr Coleiro Preca stressed that festivals such as this not only offer a platform for athletes to showcase their talents, but also create safe and inclusive spaces where young people can express themselves, build positive relationships and develop a greater sense of belonging in their community.
“When we invest in our youth through sport, we are investing in a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive society. The Urban Sports Festival is a clear example of how passion, talent and active participation can lead to new opportunities and a better future for present and future generations,” said Dr Coleiro Preca.
She thanked the Ministry, the organizers and all the entities involved for their commitment to initiatives that encourage an active lifestyle, wellbeing, and social inclusion among young people in Malta and Gozo.
President of the Malta Streets Sports Alliance Karl Naja explained how this festival will be made up of various competitions, both for newer and more advanced competitors. Naja also said that on Saturday foreign competitors will also compete who will continue to elevate the level of the festival while also providing assistance so that Maltese competitors can raise their level. He continued by saying that on Sunday 13th September, children can try out some sports with professional coaches and can do this by registering on mssa.mt
The activity will be open to the whole family, free of charge, where there will be areas for children as well as animators in the picturesque area of Bajja s-Sabiħa in Birżebbuġa.
Photos: DOI/MYWI
