Investment in Water Polo for European Competitions

Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela announced that, for the first time, local water polo clubs competing in European competitions will receive financial support through an agreement between VisitMalta and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA).

In recent years, VisitMalta has provided financial incentives to several local sports teams taking part in official competitions. For the first time, each participating water polo club will receive €10,000 to help ease the financial burden of competing.

The teams benefiting from the incentive are the San Ġiljan Aquatic Sports Club men’s and women’s teams, Sliema Aquatic Sports Club, Neptunes WPSC, and the Sirens Aquatic Sports Club women’s team. They will display the VisitMalta logo on their kits and serve as sporting ambassadors for Malta.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the investment demonstrated the Government’s commitment to supporting Maltese sport.

“I firmly believe that sport is also an important way to promote our country. It gives Malta international visibility and allows us to share our identity and values beyond our shores. This agreement helps clubs reduce the cost of taking part and gives them the opportunity to represent Malta as ambassadors on the European sporting stage.”

Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), said:

“Through these sponsorships, the MTA continues to support the development of Maltese sport and the water polo clubs that will represent our country in European competitions. Featuring the VisitMalta logo on the teams’ kits gives us a direct way to reach international audiences and promote Malta as a dynamic Mediterranean destination associated with sport and an active lifestyle. We believe these clubs are important ambassadors for Malta abroad, and we are proud to support them as they compete in Europe.”

ASA President Karl Izzo described the announcement as a historic day for the association and for Maltese water polo clubs.

“This agreement will make a real difference to the clubs taking part in European competitions. For the first time, we have five teams competing at this level. I thank the Government for supporting our clubs, and I look forward to seeing more teams compete at this level in the years ahead.”