Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532025
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 31 JANUARY 2025 NEWS SCHOLA Cantorum Jubilate, a youth choir from Gozo, is this weekend presenting its 3Ts Concert – Tea, Tunes, Togetherness — to raise funds for the projects spearheaded by The Malta Trust Founda- tion in Gozo. Chaired by President Emer- itus Marie-Louise Colei- ro Preca, the Malta Trust Foundation is committed to sustainable solutions ad- dressing poverty and vul- nerability, with a focus on disability, mental health and wellbeing, education (both formal and non-formal) and youth empowerment. The concert, which promises to be a tuneful afternoon that brings people together for a freshly brewed cup of tea with treats and different forms of art, will mark the first event of SCJ's year-long celebrations to mark its 25th anniversary. SCJ soloists – Marouska At- tard, Hannah Tong, Bianca Si- mone and James Agius – will perform a jovial repertoire, filled with moments of soar- ing drama, ease and capri- ciousness. The programme includes pieces by Donizetti, Rossini, Bizet, Tosti, Head and the late Prof. Joe Vella. The concert will culminate with a special arrangement of local works by composer-in-residence Paul Portelli. Additionally, there will be readings Alda Merini's works, aimed at raising awareness about mental health and well- being in a diverse, overpopu- lated society. Gozitan artists Vince Carua- na, Paul Stellini, Chris Saliba, Maria Cassar and Jeremy Spi- teri will add a splash of col- our to the event with exhibits from their studios. The 3Ts concert will take place on Sunday, February 2, at 3.30pm at Ta' Frenċ Court- yard in Gozo. Entrance is by ticket only. Those interested can fill in a pre-booking form and follow the instructions to purchase tickets, which cost €40 each. Proceeds will go towards The Malta Trust Foundation. For further details, contact Schola Cantorum Jubilate by email at info@scjchoir.com or on 7945 0950. Join the 3Ts concert for a cause Malta crowned best diving destination at boot Düsseldorf Dive Awards 2025 MALTA has been named the world's best diving destination at the prestigious boot Düsseldorf Dive Awards 2025, held on Janu- ary 24 at the Dive Centre in Hall 12 of the world's largest yacht and water sports trade fair. The Maltese Islands were lauded for their exceptional offerings and conditions for divers, including a unique variety of wreck dive sites and underwater experienc- es. This recognition was deter- mined by a panel of expert judg- es, including chief editors from renowned diving publications such as Divemaster, PLONGEZ!, TAUCHEN, and Taucher.net. The international diving com- munity also played a key role through a public voting process. Competing in the Destination category, Malta outshone other contenders with its professional diving infrastructure and unpar- alleled opportunities for divers of all levels. Malta's appeal as a diving des- tination lies in its perfect com- bination of natural and cultur- al treasures. The islands offer year-round diving opportuni- ties, stunning underwater land- scapes, world-class diving sites, as well as cutting-edge accessi- bility such as the Underwater Malta virtual museum. In addition, Malta boasts over 40 diving centres catering for all levels, from beginner to tech- nical diving, supported by two decompression chambers for safety. Sustainability is a key fo- cus, with protected areas such as the "Ċirkewwa Marine Park" and Blue Flag-certified beaches highlighting Malta's commit- ment to environmental steward- ship. Playing a role in this award win was also the direct connection between German cities and Mal- ta. With direct flights and excel- lent value for money, Malta is an easily accessible destination for diving enthusiasts. Its compact size ensures short distances to dive sites, further enhancing the convenience for visitors. Martin Frendo, Director of the Malta Tourism Authority office in Germany, stated: "Being rec- ognised as the best diving desti- nation worldwide is a testament to Malta's dedication to provid- ing exceptional experiences for divers. This award highlights the rich marine biodiversity, his- torical treasures, and sustaina- ble practices that make Malta a standout destination." Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, add- ed: "Malta's win at the boot Düsseldorf Dive Awards is most welcome as it recognises Visit- Malta and our partners' efforts to constantly improve the ex- perience that our Islands of- fer to the international diving community, and the wide-rang- ing marketing and promotion efforts of MTA's offices and representatives around the world. This award also reflects our commitment to excellence in tourism and environmental preservation as we seek to de- velop a sustainable future to the Maltese Islands' tourism indus- try."