Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530881
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 DECEMBER 2024 6 COMMERCIAL Malta Esports Association announces the inaugural Malta Esports Awards THE Malta Esports Associa- tion is thrilled to announce the first-ever Malta Esports Awards, a landmark event celebrating ex- cellence in the local esports com- munity. This initiative highlights the skill, dedication, and achieve- ments of Maltese players, teams, and contributors to the esports ecosystem. Why the Awards Matter For years, Malta's esports tal- ents have lacked a platform to showcase their accomplishments and inspire the next generation. The Malta Esports Awards aim to change this by providing a night dedicated to honoring the com- petitive achievements of local players and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Timeline • Nomination Phase: Until 31 December 2024 • Announcement of Nomi- nees: December 2024 • Awards Night: 7 February 2025 Award Categories This year's awards feature 11 categories: 1. Esports Player of the Year: Recognising the most impactful Maltese esports player interna- tionally in 2024. 2. Esports Team of the Year: Celebrating teams with at least 50% Maltese members excelling in international competitions. 3. Rookie Player of the Year: Highlighting standout players under 21 years old. 4. Female Player of the Year: Celebrating the best female com- petitor in the scene. 5. Shooter Player of the Year: Honoring achievements in shoot- ing game genres. 6. Sim-Racing Driver of the Year: Awarding the best Maltese virtual racing driver. 7. Sports Simulation Player of the Year: Recognising players ex- celling in games mimicking tradi- tional sports. 8. MOBA Player of the Year: Highlighting top performers in Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games. 9. Fighting Game Player of the Year: Celebrating the best in Tek- ken, Street Fighter, and similar titles. 10. RPG Player of the Year: Honoring achievements in role-playing games. 11. Outstanding Contribution to Maltese Esports: Acknowledg- ing individuals who have signifi- cantly contributed to the com- munity's growth. Nomination and Adjudication • Eligibility: Maltese citizens and permanent residents (5+ years) currently resid- ing in Malta are eligible. • Selection Criteria: Winners will be judged based on local competition results, international participa- tion, and contributions to the community, including mentorship, content crea- tion, and ambassadorship. The Malta Esports Awards 2024 promise to shine a spot- light on Malta's gaming talent and inspire greater participa- tion and recognition for the local esports scene. For more details and to submit nomi- nations, visit https://esport- sawards.mt/. Eastern Region of Culture 2024 concludes with a memorable celebration THE Eastern Regional Council wrapped up its extraordinary year as Malta's 2024 Region of Culture with a grand finale on December 12th at Teatru Sales- jan, Sliema. The event marked the culmination of a year rich in cultural activities, artistic performances, and community collaborations, all celebrating the region's unique heritage and vibrant identity. "Each year, the Region of Cul- ture designation rotates across different regions, spotlighting the diverse traditions and sto- ries of its localities. In 2024, it was the Eastern Region's turn to showcase its heritage, and the community has surely come to- gether to make this year another resounding success," said Hon. Alison Zerafa Civelli, Parliamen- tary Secretary for Local Govern- ment. Comprising 12 localities: Birkirkara, Iklin, Ħal Lija, San Ġiljan, Sliema, Gżira, Għargħur, Pietà, Swieqi, Pembroke, Imsida, and Ta' Xbiex, the Eastern Re- gion of Culture 2024 honoured the region's distinct identities of each locality through a dynamic programme of events, initiatives, and workshops. These activities created meaningful connections between local councils, artists, organisations, and residents, leaving a positive impact on the community. The closing night opened with a 15-minute artistic per- formance, mirroring the event that inaugurated the Eastern Region of Culture in January. This 15-minute performance combined live music, poetry and dance with the use of a unique- ly made audio-visual experience utilising 12 screens. After the performance, these 12 screens then displayed videos captur- ing the year's most memorable moments, offering a vivid visual journey through the events and experiences that defined this landmark year. Mr. Daniel Cauchi, Artistic Di- rector for The Eastern Region, took the audience on a journey, highlighting the key moments of the year. Among the many high- lights were events that brought the community together and celebrated the region's heritage. These included workshops such as the Presepji u Pasturi and Pas- tizzi workshops and tradition- al activities like Boċċi. Stejjer mir-Reġjun, a collection of inter- views with active citizens from each locality, showcased the personal stories that define the Eastern Region. Engaging pro- jects such as lVANt, featured a traveling van that toured the Re- gion which was transformed in- to a stage, hosting performances by popular Maltese artists like Red Electric and the Travellers. This project also offered oppor- tunities for new artists to show- case their talents. The Memorial Benches project paid tribute to victims of violence through the use of street art, while Tnax- il inspired children to explore each locality through storytell- ing. Collaborations with local councils enhanced already es- tablished events such as Iklin's Festa Fjuri, while partnerships with associations such as Dance Beyond Borders resulted in im- portant projects showcasing the region's vibrant community spirit. These events encapsulated the commitment to strengthening community bonds while cele- brating the rich heritage of the Eastern Region. During the official segment, Mr. Anthony Chircop, President of the Eastern Regional Council, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the artists, organisers, and communities who made the in- itiative a success, alongside the valuable support of the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, Local Government, the Parlia- mentary Secretariat for Local Government and the Local Gov- ernment Division "It was the hard work of a ded- icated small team that made this extraordinary year possible," Mr. Chircop said. "The collaboration of artists, community members, local councils, and stakeholders brought our vision to life." The legacy of The Eastern Re- gion of Culture 2024 extends far beyond its closing event. It has created a deeper appreciation for Malta's cultural roots while pro- moting unity across the region. This year has demonstrated the power of cultural initiatives to inspire community engagement and rekindle pride in local her- itage. As the Eastern Regional Coun- cil looks ahead, it remains com- mitted to preserving and cele- brating Maltese culture, building on the success of this memora- ble year. The Eastern Region of Culture's closing event was not just the end of a cultural chapter but the beginning of an impor- tant legacy of collaboration and cultural appreciation. From left to right - Mr. Noel Muscat (Mayor of Swieqi), Mr. Kaylon Zammit (Pembroke), Mr. Anthony Chirchop (President of the Eastern Regional Co