Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534272
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 11 APRIL 2025 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt New sports complex to cater for athletes, students and recreational users CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Speaking to GozoToday, ar- chitect Godwin Sultana told the paper that the exterior of the building including the pavement was expected to be completed by next week. He also added that the main clean- ing of the facility would be happening in May. The complex boasts a 50-me- ter Olympic size pool with moveable floors, making it ide- al for specialized training and accessible for individuals with disabilities. Sultana said that the pool has been certified by World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA, the international feder- ation recognised by the Inter- national Olympic Committee for administering international competitions in water sports. Before the centre is open to the public, Sultana said plans are underway to introduce the complex to students. The centre will feature a wide array of sports-related facilities designed to cater to diverse athletic needs. The multi-pur- pose hall will serve as a versa- tile space for activities such as aerobics, karate, and staging competitions. It can also host conferences and events. There are three squash courts, as well as a multi-pur- pose court. The multi-purpose court, which can accommo- date around 100 spectators, is suitable for basketball, volley- ball, and weightlifting compe- titions, among other activities. A paddle court will provide further variety, and a fitness gym will cater to those look- ing to improve strength and fitness. The complex also in- cludes dedicated rooms for yoga, dance, and other well- ness activities, ensuring that all types of fitness enthusiasts are well accommodated. Commitment to sustainability The complex demonstrates a strong commitment to sustain- ability, featuring glass on the north side to maximise natural light and enhance ventilation. Furthermore, Sultana said that the design, a neutral col- our palette, with a white base, acts as a blank canvas. This, Sultana said allows the space to be easily adapted for different events and activities, as the colour scheme can be adjusted to suit the specific needs or themes of each occa- sion. The simplicity of the white base avoids overwhelming the space with loud, distracting colours, ensuring a versatile environment that can be trans- formed to match any event. The centre will also feature a dedicated sports medicine clinic, staffed with specialized doctors who will focus on inju- ry treatment and recovery, The addition of a sports med- icine clinic provides individ- uals with expert care during their recovery, positioning Gozo as a key hub for both ath- letic performance and rehabil- itation. Moreover, Sultana said there has already been a wide range of intertest both local and internationally in the cen- tre, for competitions, training among other things. THE European Commission is launching a consultation to develop a European strategy for the islands. Announced in Strasbourg with the publication of its communication on the mid-term review of cohe- sion policy, this decision marks a major step forward for millions of Europeans living on islands, includ- ing Malta and Gozo. Younous Omarjee, Vice-Presi- dent of the European Parliament and author of the "Omarjee" report, which was adopted by a wide major- ity in June 2022, welcomed this an- nouncement. "It is a tremendous satisfaction. This fight, which has been ongoing since the last legislature, is finally bearing fruit," he said. "What was once an ambitious goal championed by the Parliament has now become a reality. Our collective mobiliza- tion and political commitment are evident." Adopted in 2022, the "Omarjee" report called on the Commission to fully take into account the structur- al specificities of islands across all European policies, through an inte- grated, tailored, and ambitious ap- proach. On this occasion, Omarjee, then President of the Regional De- velopment Committee, gathered all the Presidents of European islands in Strasbourg, where they collective- ly called on the European Commis- sion to take up this report and the request of the European Parliament. On X, Omarjee praised the com- mitment made by Commissioner Raffaele Fitto before Parliament, as well as the unwavering support of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. He also pays tribute to the col- lective mobilization that made this victory possible: that of island rep- resentatives and local stakeholders. "This strategy is our collective vic- tory. It must now be developed with all the concerned territories." A public consultation will be opened shortly. Younous Omarjee is already calling on all island stake- holders to take part in it in large numbers. Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament A historic victory for European islands