PLAY TO WIN. A NEW ERA FOR MALTESE SPORT.
NATIONAL SPORTS POLICY DOCUMENT.
- INTRODUCTION
In Malta there have been many plans and programmes to develop sport in the past and some of these efforts may have, directly or indirectly, borne fruit internationally in certain team and individual sports. However there was always the popular opinion that sport lacked:
- A proper policy; and
- The required resources to facilitate its development in the context of its increasing scientific, competitive and professional nature internationally.
This National Sport Policy offers a formal, holistic and systematic framework for the development of sport in Malta. It is based on recognition of the important role which sport plays in the life of the individual, the community, the nation, the region and in the world. The policy however must be seen more as a process rather than as a final product. It seeks to guide decision making with regard to the development of sport since it will be subject to modification and refinement in response to changing social realities.
‘Our investment principles will reinforce excellence, support talent and challenge under performance. We will strive to invest the right resources, in the right athletes, for the right reasons.’[
‘It is our role to ensure that the resources available to support all Maltese athletes are targeted to maximise their chance of medal success.’
‘My ambition is for Malta to have a strong, respected and supportive voice in international sport.’
- DEFINITION OF SPORT
The policy is based on a very broad, all inclusive notion of sport since it supports the definition of sport as:
‘all forms of physical activities which through casual or organized participation aim at improving physical fitness and mental well being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels’. (Council of Europe)
- RATIONALE
The National Sport Policy is based on the democratic principle of equality of opportunity and consequently is one that caters for all our citizens irrespective of race, colour, class, gender, age, creed, physical or mental condition and area of residence. Because of the known health, social and economic benefits which can be derived from participating in sport, it can be deemed as important as any other activity or field of endeavour to the total development of the individual and the society.
Regular involvement in sport and physical activity are fundamental to good health and wellness at all stages of life. Sport provides an important environment for the education and socialization of all citizens as well as valuable opportunities for personal enjoyment, social contacts and integration. It contributes fundamentally to the development and maintenance of democratic societies with active and productive citizens. Sport can also play a major role in the economy and offers potential for economic development. It is imperative, therefore, that sport be given the due recognition and resources that it deserves in order to facilitate its contribution to the energizing of the society as a whole.
- OUR VISION
To establish a technically efficient institution equipped with the desired professional manpower, resources, right equipment and well maintained facilities for sports development and participation.
- MISSION
To develop the sports sector to a world class level where it would provide continuous improvement of quality of life for the entire citizenry to the extent that Malta would be recognised as having reached an excellent level in sports.
- OBJECTIVES
Consistent with international trends, the National Sport Policy shall cover the two broad dimensions of contemporary sport:
- Participation in Sport
- High Performance Sport
The term “Participation in Sport” is based on the concept in which all sectors of the society – children, youth, adults, senior citizens and the specially challenged, regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion are encouraged to be involved in an active lifestyle. It is one of the building blocks on which a successful sport development programme is framed. Total Participation in Sport by its very nature therefore is all embracing since it focuses on all Sport.
On the other hand, the term “High Performance Sport” refers to: “Competitive sport organized in accordance with International Federations and Olympic Committee rules and conditions at national or international level to determine winners”. High Performance Sport by its very nature, therefore, tends to focus on an elite set of athletes. In light of the increasing scientific and competitive nature of High Performance Sport over the last two decades, the sport policy must give special consideration to our elite athletes if they are to develop and compete successfully on the world stage.
The fundamentals of the policy therefore can be captured in the statement:
“To Enrich Our Lives Through Total participation, Quality Training and Excellence in Sport.”
The National Sports Policy shall seek to fulfil the following objectives:
- To develop sports to become an instrument of national unity.
- Encourage mass participation in sports and recreation with a view to using exercise for the improvement of the general health and fitness of citizens.
- Ensure that Sports in an integral part of the curriculum of Educational Institutions at all levels (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary).
- Ensure adequate and proper funding of sports at all levels.
- Develop Athletes, Coaches, Technical Officials, Sports Scientists, Sports Medicine Practitioners and Administrators to be among the best in the world.
- Attract major international sporting events to Malta and exploit their benefits for tourism and the economy.
- Promote sport as a means to generate employment and create wealth.
- To give opportunity to the physically challenged person to participate in sports of their choice.
- Encourage private sector investment in all sectors of sports.
- Ensure utilisation of Information Technology to collate sport data for effective planning and dissemination of information.
- MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE POLICY
- Administration and Management
Successful organisation of Sports requires effective and efficient management skills and structures.
- Finance/Sponsorship.
Finance and sponsorship are vital requirements for sports development at all levels. The relatively high overhead costs associated with financing sports programmes: camping, training and competitions, continue to hinder its development. Hence, it is necessary to encourage greater financial support for sporting activities.
- Training and Development of Technical Personnel
Government shall give priority to training and development of sports and personnel to enable them improve their skills and efficiency in programme implementation.
- Facilities and Equipment
In order to facilitate and encourage mass participation in sports, facilities are major considerations and determinants of sports development. They provide standard settings for fitness, recreation and competition programmes. They influence public participation in sports and effectively contribute to the quality of sports competitions and recreational programmes.
- Athlete Identification and Development
Government shall put in place sports competition programmes at the National level that will facilitate identification of young talented athletes.
The programme shall include the following:-
- Primary Schools Sports Competitions
- Secondary Schools Sports Competitions
- Bi-annual Inter- School Sport Competitions for Primary Schools (Sports Day)
- Bi-annual Inter-School Sports Competitions for Secondary Schools (Sports Day)
- Inter-Schools Sports Competitions….Football, basketball, tennis, athletics etc….
- National Sports Festivals
- National Junior / Senior Championships
- Sport Science and Sport Medicine
Sports Science and Sports Medicine play supportive roles in assisting athletes to keep a constant level of mental, physical, physiological and psychological fitness for the purpose of achieving excellent performance in sports.
To achieve the objective of this policy, we shall:
- Integrate a scientific approach into the training and preparation of athletes for participation in competitive sports,
- Apply the principles of sport science and sport medicine in developing potentials of athletes for high performances in major competitive sports,
- Put in place a continuous medical monitoring programme of athletes’ health in and out of competitions especially with respect to injury prevention and rehabilitation,
- Encourage use of Sports Psychologists and Nutritionists to ensure optimal performance of athletes,
- Conduct fitness assessments as means of determining and monitoring fitness levels of athletes,
- Establish a well-equipped National Sport Medicine and Sports Science Centre to achieve the objectives of providing quality sport medicine care,
- Incentives and Awards in Sports
Government and the private sector organizations shall provide incentives and awards for deserving athletes, officials, sports researchers, sponsors and others who have distinguished themselves and made outstanding contributions to sports development, administration, training, sponsorship, etc.
Appropriate financial grants shall be provided by Government, the private sector and NGOs for athletes’ training and preparation for competitions.
Comprehensive insurance cover for athletes and officials during training and competitions, should be provided.
Government in collaboration with the private sector and sports bodies shall establish a befitting Sports Hall of Fame and Sports Museum to honour outstanding Athletes, Officials and Sponsors of sports programmes and activities to encourage patriotism and sports tourism.
- Sport, Culture and Tourism
The development of sport requires that it be inculcated into the national culture and life style of all Maltese regardless of age, gender, social status, physical ability, political and religious inclination.
In the development and promotion of sport, this Policy acknowledges that sport is a viable investment opportunity, which can contribute to tourism and economic development.
There shall be a symbiotic relationship between Sport, Arts and Culture. All relevant sport bodies shall cooperate with Arts and Culture agencies for the development and promotion of same.
Sport Tourism is an essential element in sport development as both Sport and Tourism development are complimentary to each other.
Sport shall be used as a veritable tool to promote Malta’s Tourism at the global level.
- Sport and the Physically Challenged
In order to integrate the physically challenged person in the mainstream of sport and the society, this Policy shall encourage the physically challenged to participate in the sport of their choice. There shall be no limit to the scope and height to which a physically challenged athlete may perform and attain in his chosen field of sport.
This National Policy shall be reviewed every 5 years so to accommodate changes that may be required to render the policy up to date and relevant.