The final week of the Malta School Games 2025 officially kicked off today with a celebratory ceremony at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Complex, marking the culmination of a nationwide sports initiative bringing together hundreds of children from schools across Malta and Gozo. This final stage follows months of build-up, beginning in February with a symbolic torch relay across every college and thousands of students taking part in preliminary competitions throughout the country.
During the opening ceremony, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, emphasized the importance of sport in holistic education. He stated, “The Malta School Games celebrate holistic education—where sport builds not only physical ability but also character. This final week represents the peak of our investment in our children. We are directly investing in physical education, including by increasing the number of PE lessons in the curriculum. It’s all part of our vision to nurture a generation that is active, healthy, and conscious of both their physical and mental well-being.”
Throughout the week, national finals will be held across various sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, table tennis, and athletics, catering to students aged 9 to 16. The events are being hosted at leading sports venues such as the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion, Ta’ Qali Training Grounds, the Institute for Physical Education and Sport, the National Pool, the Cottonera Sports Complex, and the Matthew Micallef St John Athletics Stadium in Marsa.
Commenting on the games, Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana highlighted their value: “These school games, which coincide with the Public Service Expo, reflect values we strongly believe in. Participating in sports builds strong character. To achieve something meaningful, we must train, make sacrifices, and be determined. The results we earn not only bring us pride but also honor our families and our country.”
Approximately 2,000 students from 50 state, private, and independent schools are competing in this final phase, having been selected from among thousands who took part in earlier stages of the programme.
Matthew Vella, Permanent Secretary for Education, noted how the Malta School Games embody the connection between sport, education, and inclusion in building students’ futures. “Today we place students at the center of everything we do—not just celebrating competition but also character, teamwork, and healthy living. As a ministry, we remain committed to creating more opportunities for students to succeed in school and in life. Together with educators and the sports sector, we are making a difference in the future of society.”
The final week is more than a competition—it is a celebration of friendship, discipline, and a passion for sport. The Malta School Games promote values of inclusion, teamwork, and learning beyond the classroom—an experience that will remain with students for years to come.
