SportMalta welcomed FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa to the Cottonera Sports Complex on Friday, as Malta continued to strengthen its links with international sporting organisations and explore future opportunities for basketball development.
The visit saw one of European basketball’s most influential figures tour the facility, meet local officials and discuss potential collaboration aimed at further raising Malta’s profile within the sport.
Garbajosa, who was elected President of FIBA Europe in May 2023, previously served as President of the Spanish Basketball Federation between 2016 and 2023. He has also been a member of the FIBA Europe Executive Committee, the FIBA Central Board and chaired the FIBA Competitions Commission.
His playing career was equally distinguished. The former Spanish international won the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2006, claimed the EuroBasket title in 2009 and secured an Olympic silver medal at the Beijing Games in 2008. He also enjoyed a successful club career across Europe and played in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors.
During his visit, Garbajosa was given a tour of the Cottonera Sports Complex and was briefed on the range of programmes and facilities managed by SportMalta. Officials outlined completed projects, ongoing developments and the role the complex plays as a hub for community sport and grassroots participation.
He also observed the Let’s Move Malta programme in action, praising the initiative and describing it as a model that could be replicated in other European countries.
SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar highlighted Malta’s continued investment in sport, explaining how improved infrastructure and wider participation programmes have helped strengthen opportunities for both national associations and the general public.
The discussions also focused on future collaboration between SportMalta, FIBA Europe and the Malta Basketball Association. Among the proposals explored were attracting more international basketball events to Malta, hosting 3×3 basketball competitions and expanding educational exchanges between local and European basketball organisations.
Also attending the visit were Policy Consultant within the Ministry Larkin Bonnici and Malta Basketball Association President Paul Sultana.
The visit forms part of SportMalta’s ongoing strategy to build stronger relationships with international federations while continuing to develop facilities and programmes that meet modern European standards.
