The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) hosted an event on campus in Paola. During the event results obtained from the research carried on the Fun Fit 5 project were shared and discussed.

The Fun Fit 5 project allowed students to participate in physical activities daily during school hours from Monday to Friday. Around 90 year four students participate in this pilot project. The terms ‘fun’ and ‘fit’ represented the original fundamental guiding principles underlying the project series, with the number five representing the goal of physical activity participation not less than five days a week.

MCAST researchers from the Institute of Community Services (ICS) namely Dr Melanie Darmanin, Dr Renzo Kerr-Cumbo, Dr Matthew Muscat Inglott, and Ms Heathcliff Schembri worked on an ethnographic research project back in October 2022 to inform the Fun Fit 5 programme. The research was commissioned by the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF) within the Malta Football Association (MFA).

Speaking during the event Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima said, “Research shows the importance of including physical activity in schools. In education it is pivotal that we look at two aspects. Firstly, the aspect of development. Secondly, the community aspect. This project enhances both. We remain committed to investing in more sports facilities, and projects that aid the development of our children”.

Research carried out by College academics was instrumental in unearthing the effect that students’ participation in physical activity had on their academic performance, physical performance, and well-being. The research included interviews with teachers, lecturers, LSEs, parents, and students themselves.

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja explained, “During these past few years MCAST’s Institute of Community Services (ICS) has been growing considerably not only because of the quality of education provided and increase in students but also because of the research projects executed. Research aims to improve our community’s quality of life. We are extremely proud of our lecturers for publishing their research projects in recognized international academic journals. I hope that we continue building on this project to provide a better educational experience which starts during the early years and progresses throughout an individual’s lifespan”.

Insights from the research project carried out highlighted the importance of synergy between different parties, including trained coaches collaborating with school teachers in schools, the creation of inclusive sports programmes and planned coordination between different professionals to create a positive educational and physical experience for participants.

“Fun Fit 5 will serve as an important tool in IFF’s mission in encouraging children to participate in sports activities, which will help them live a healthier lifestyle. Fun Fit 5 will be reaching thousand of students within diverse primary schools locally. We strongly believe in collective efforts and projects that will help leave a positive impact on talent development and lifestyle”, said  Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation Chairman Gareth Sciberras.

The Fun Fit 5 project, ultimately aspired to bring about change through its innovative and evidence-based approach, in the way physical activity is understood, prioritised and organised in local schools.