Amid ongoing discussions in the Maltese sporting community, the Malta Gymnastics Federation (MGF) has issued a statement addressing concerns regarding the participation of SportMalta Gymnastics Academy members in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) National Competitions.
As the sole governing body for gymnastics in Malta, recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation, the MGF’s primary responsibility is to uphold fair competition and safeguard the sustainable development of the sport.
One of the key issues raised by the Federation is the competition between government-funded programs and privately-run gymnastics clubs. While SportMalta plays a vital role in sports development, its involvement in directly competing with private clubs—which rely on private investment and membership fees—creates an uneven playing field. The MGF maintains that regulators should support sports rather than compete with them.
The Federation also addressed claims of political interference, stating unequivocally that this is not a political issue. The MGF emphasized that it operates independently and is committed solely to the principles of fair competition and athlete development.
Furthermore, the MGF clarified any alleged conflicts of interest, stating that while its President also serves as Head of the National Sport School (NSS), he has no involvement in athlete selection for NSS. The selection process is managed by an independent board, nominated by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation (MEYR), separate from school administration.
In an effort to resolve concerns and collaborate with SportMalta, the MGF notified SportMalta in early 2024 about its statute changes and allowed for a transitional period during the 2024 WAG National Competition. The Federation also sent proposals for collaboration in May 2024, but these were either rejected or left unaddressed.
In conclusion, the MGF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the fairness and sustainability of gymnastics in Malta, calling on all stakeholders, including the media, to respect the spirit of sport, built on integrity and fair play.
