Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, visited the National School of Sport (NSS) in Pembroke where he met with students who attend this school to specialise in their sporting disciplines. NSS is a secondary school that combines academic education with high-level sports training, with the aim of developing young Maltese athletes to reach a professional level in their sporting discipline. This school has a total of 241 students and offers training in 21 sporting disciplines.
During this visit, Prime Minister Abela had the opportunity to meet students who have achieved results abroad, including Sophie St John who is currently achieving success in gymnastics. This school was instrumental in athletes such as swimmer Sasha Gatt who participated in the Olympics and footballer Hailey Bugeja who plays in Serie A in Italy reaching these professional levels. These achievements are evidence that our country is capable of having high-level athletes like any other country.
During discussions with educators and school management, the Prime Minister spoke about the Government’s significant investment in education and sport. He mentioned how in this year’s Budget, the Government is planning to invest more than €13 million as part of the EDU Infrastructure Programme, to strengthen infrastructure and renovate colleges while creating modern and inclusive educational spaces. In this context, he also mentioned the extension of the free gym scheme for young people, which is now also including young people between the ages of 16 and 21.
The Prime Minister also explained how by the end of this year, around 20,000 digital devices will have been distributed to students in Years 4, 7, 8 and 9 to ensure equal access to technology. In addition, the Government will provide financial assistance of €500 to all families with students in Years 10 and 11 to further strengthen the Digital Strategy for Education.
Initiatives such as the expansion of the Handball Pavilion project into a multifunctional sports complex and the official opening of new facilities such as the Marsa Sports Complex and the National Tennis Centre in Pembroke, demonstrate the Government’s commitment to promoting physical activity and holistic education.
Photo: OPM/DOI
