Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540435
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 17 OCTOBER 2025 NEWS THE 10th edition of the Gozo Sports Awards took place this week, honoring the achievements, dedication, and sacrifices of Gozitan athletes across a variety of sports disciplines. The annual ceremony was held at Gozo's new Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, the largest sports investment ever un- dertaken on the island. Addressing the event, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri high- lighted the significance of the fa- cility, which opened last month with international-standard amenities. "We built this pavilion because if Gozitan athletes are to make a name for themselves on the international stage, we must provide them with the best facili- ties," Camilleri said. He added that the pavilion represents a major leap in the quality of Gozo's sports infrastructure and a clear step to- ward sporting excellence. The Minister outlined ongo- ing support for athletes in 2024, noting that 67 athletes received over €13,500 through the iSports Scheme to continue training in Malta, while another 70 athletes were granted more than €19,000 in direct support by September. In addition, 13 Gozitan sports clubs shared €60,000 to implement pro- jects benefiting the wider sports community. Camilleri also emphasized the promotion of sports tourism through major events such as the Summer Horse Championship at the Xħajma Racecourse and the Malta Premier League Day in Gozo, both of which drew large participation. International competition re- mains a priority, with the Gozitan team participating for the sec- ond time in the International Is- land Games in Orkney, Scotland. Preparations are already under- way for the 2027 edition, to be held in the Faroe Islands. The Minister congratulated all nominees and winners while thanking everyone who contrib- utes to the development of sports in Gozo. He reiterated the govern- ment's commitment to continue supporting local athletes. The 2025 Gozo Sports Awards winners were: • Official of the Year: Anton Tabone – Victoria Hotspurs FC • Coach of the Year: Shawn Pierre Bajada – Qala Saints FC • Team of the Year: Shamock Stars Sports Club – Basket- ball • Promising Youth (Female): Amy Attard – Athletix AC Gozo • Promising Youth (Male): Anthony Borg – Aquahub • Sportswoman of the Year: Lara Calleja – Gozo Clay Target Association • Sportsman of the Year: Charlton Debono – Evolve Endurance Club • Active Athlete Over 45: Chris Camilleri • Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph Grima • Special Recognition, Spe- cial Olympics: Giuseppina Galea This year's ceremony reinforced Gozo's growing reputation as a center of sporting excellence, in- frastructure, and talent develop- ment 10th Gozo Sports Awards celebrate island's athletic excellence Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri congratulated all nominees and winners while thanking everyone who contributes to the development of sports in Gozo (photo: MGP) ON the occasion of the 40th anniversary since the founding of Spirit Combat, a series of ac- tivities will be held that should appeal to the whole family, be- tween Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October, at the new Sports Complex in Gozo. Gozo Minister Clinton Camill- eri will be inaugurating the event. The founder of Spirit Combat in the United Kingdom, Brian Dos- sett, will be giving demonstra- tions and classes, as will Kancho Adrian Axisa, the founder of Spirit Combat in Malta. There will also be Yoga and Tai Chi classes free of charge. 40 years of spirit combat on the island celebrated at the new sports complex A class taking place in Gozo with the Spirt Combat club (Photo: Spirt Combat Club Gozo)