MCAST kicked off a two-day national sports symposium at the Paola campus today, 23 February. Over 120 sports professionals, students and educators are participating in this event organised by the College’s Institute of Community Services (ICS).

Titled ‘Challenging the Status Quo: Inspiring a Legacy Beyond the 2023 Major Sports Events’, the symposium provides an opportunity to showcase local and foreign sports best practices whilst offering the possibility to discuss common sports challenges.

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima explained, “The major sports events which will be organised in Malta, particularly GSSE 2023 and the UEFA U19, can be a game-changer for the future of Maltese sports. MCAST plays a crucial role in sports education, including this initiative to have meaningful conversations with all stakeholders. Everyone’s participation matters.’’

The event tacked three main themes to inspire a tangible legacy for Maltese sports: ‘Debating Sports Higher Education’, ‘Sports for All Leading to Sports Performance’, and ‘Challenging the Status Quo: Inspiring a Renewed Mindset’.

International speakers included Alexandra Doncila, the UEFA Academy Programme Coordinator; Raymond Conzemius, Sports Director Luxembourg Olympic and Sport Committee and Tom Clift, Head University of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Venue and Village Logistics.

Around 500 students follow sports courses at the College’s Institute of Community Services. MCAST offers various sport-related programmes, including a Level 6 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sport, Exercise, and Health, a Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Sport, and a Level 3 Diploma in Sport.