In 2022, Gozitans Stephen Grima, Anthony Attard, and Felicienne Mercieca came together with a simple idea: to give athletes a place to train, compete, and grow in an environment that values both performance and community. That idea led to the creation of D Sports Lab. What began as a small project has now grown, in just three years, into a fully developed multisport club. Today, the club offers coaching in several sports and helps athletes of all levels reach their full potential.
Building a Club Despite the Challenges
Starting a sports club in Gozo was never going to be easy. Unlike Malta, Gozo has fewer sports facilities and resources. The founders knew from the start that it would take hard work, creativity, and patience to build something lasting.
Even with these challenges, the club grew steadily. It now offers organised programmes in swimming, cycling, mountain biking, running, and triathlon. Qualified coaches lead the training, and sessions are carefully planned to make the best use of whatever space and equipment is available.
A Bright Future with New Facilities
One of the most exciting developments for the club is the opening of a new swimming pool complex in Gozo. Until now, swimmers had limited training options, sometimes needing to travel to Malta or train in less than ideal conditions. The new pool will be a major step forward, allowing better training, more coaching, and greater opportunities for young swimmers to improve.
However, other facilities are still needed, especially a proper athletics track. Having one would allow Gozitan athletes to train on the same level as those in Malta. While there’s still room for improvement, things are slowly getting better, and the future of sport in Gozo is looking more promising.
Making a Name Beyond Gozo
Although still new, D Sports Lab has already achieved a lot. The club now has over 120 members, including some from Malta. Several athletes have taken part in competitions abroad and performed well, proving that Gozitan athletes can compete internationally. Others have proudly represented Malta in major events, bringing pride to both their club and their island.
A proud moment came when three club members, Frank Attard (triathlon), Michelle Debono (athletics), and Brandon Sultana (cycling), were chosen to be part of Team Gozo at the Island Games in Orkney.
Club President Stephen Grima is a strong athlete himself, known for taking part in some of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. In 2024, he placed 7th in his category and 59th overall at the Andorra Epic. In 2025, he teamed up with club member Brandon Sultana to race in the famous Absa Cape Epic in South Africa. Soon after, Sultana represented Gozo at the Island Games, gaining valuable experience. Club Secretary Anthony Attard also made his mark, finishing 4th in the Double Ironman distance at the Bretzel Ultra Tri in France in 2024.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve built,” said Grima. “When we started, we wanted to offer the chances we didn’t have when we were young athletes in Gozo. Now, we’re helping our athletes reach the international stage. It proves that even from a small island with limited resources, you can achieve great things.”
Coaching at the Centre
One of the main reasons for the club’s success is its focus on quality coaching. All coaches are properly qualified and bring years of local and international experience. Many of them still compete, which helps them stay connected to the sport and understand what athletes go through.
The coaching team includes Charlton Debono, Michelle Vella Wood, and Keira Attard. Debono leads the running section, using his own achievements to guide others. Vella Wood, a former national triathlon champion and Ironman athlete, shares valuable experience with both beginners and advanced triathletes. Attard, who has competed at the Commonwealth Youth Games, brings fresh energy and insight as a young coach. Together, they combine experience and passion to support the next generation of Gozitan athletes.
Supporting Young Talent
D Sports Lab also puts a strong focus on youth development. A good example is Nina Debono Curmi, a young cyclist who has already had success in both mountain biking and road racing. Her progress shows the club’s dedication to building athletes from the ground up, offering them the right training and support from the start.
A Club for Everyone
Inclusion is at the heart of D Sports Lab’s mission. The club welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities, from beginners looking to stay active to those chasing top-level performance. Programmes are designed to suit each person’s needs and goals.
“Whether someone joins to get fit, try a new sport, or aim to represent Malta, they are welcomed and supported all the way,” said Grima.
A Model for Sports Growth
In only three years, D Sports Lab has gone from a simple idea to an important part of Gozo’s sporting life. The story of the club shows what can happen when a community comes together with passion, vision, and determination. With better facilities on the way and a growing record of success, the future looks bright.
“Gozo might not have the same sports facilities as Malta yet, but thanks to the hard work of this club and its committee, it has something just as important, a strong and growing community where athletes can train, dream, and succeed,” said Grima.
