Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545479
6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JUNE 2026 Maker Faire Malta 2026 calls on creators, innovators and dreamers to take part MAKER Faire, globally known as the "Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth", is coming to Malta for the very first time between 2 and 4 October 2026. Hosted by Xjenza Malta's Esplora Interac- tive Science Centre in Kalkara, Maker Faire Malta 2026 will bring together inventors, cre- ators, engineers, artists, hob- byists, educators, students and innovators in a celebration of creativity, invention and hands- on learning. The organisers are now inviting Makers from across the Maltese islands to be- come part of this unique inter- national event. But what exactly is a Maker? A Maker is someone who trans- forms ideas into reality. Makers learn by building, experiment- ing, testing and improving. They create inventions, prototypes, artworks, robotics projects, dig- ital solutions, interactive experi- ences and practical innovations that make a difference in every- day life. Whether developing a new technology, designing a creative project, building a prototype, ex- ploring sustainability solutions or simply pursuing a passion project, Makers share a com- mon trait: a willingness to cre- ate, learn and inspire others. Maker Faire Malta will provide a platform for these ideas to be showcased to thousands of visi- tors through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on experiences. From robotics and digital fabrication to science, engineering, arts, crafts and sus- tainability, the event will high- light the creativity and ingenuity found within our communities. "Maker Faire Malta 2026 is an opportunity to showcase talent, creativity and problem-solving while inspiring others to explore their own potential," said Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri. "Maker Faire Malta allows people to exhibit what they cre- ate, learn from others and join a global movement built around creativity and innovation," said Mary Ann Cauchi, Senior Di- rector at Esplora Interactive Sci- ence Centre. The 'Faire' is also seeking col- laborators, including educa- tional institutions, businesses, NGOs, community organisa- tions and other entities inter- ested in supporting and con- tributing to the event. The Call for Makers is currently open and will remain open until 1 July 2026. Anyone interested in partic- ipating as a Maker, exhibitor, collaborator or partner can find further information and application details at https:// malta.makerfaire.com Walking Football Tournament celebrates Active Ageing and European Cooperation PARTICIPANTS from Malta and Italy recently came togeth- er in Malta for the final event of the WALK FIT – Walking Foot- ball for Inclusion & Togetherness project, celebrating active ageing, social inclusion and internation- al cooperation through sport. The international walking foot- ball tournament marked the cul- mination of several months of activities delivered in Malta and Italy under the Erasmus+ Sport initiative. Bringing together old- er adults from both countries, the event showcased how sport can promote healthy lifestyles, friendship and community par- ticipation well beyond traditional competitive football. Team Black emerged as tour- nament winners, receiving the trophy from Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat, while Team White fin- ished as runners-up and were presented with their award by former Maltese international footballer Carmel Busuttil, who attended the event in support of the initiative. Walking football is a modified version of the game that elimi- nates running and significantly reduces physical contact, making it accessible to older adults and others who may no longer feel able to participate in tradition- al football. The sport is growing rapidly across Europe as an ef- fective way to promote physical activity, improve wellbeing and combat social isolation. The tournament concluded a programme of activities deliv- ered by Swieqi United Football Club in Malta and A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese in Italy as part of the WALK FIT project. Over re- cent months, the initiative has in- cluded coach and referee training sessions, community outreach activities, open days and regu- lar walking football sessions de- signed to encourage participation among adults aged 50 and over. Training sessions held in Malta and Italy provided participants with the knowledge and practi- cal skills needed to organise and deliver walking football activities safely and inclusively. Open days in both countries subsequently gave members of the public the opportunity to experience the sport first hand, with the Maltese event also welcoming younger vulnerable adults, further rein- forcing the project's commit- ment to inclusion. Beyond introducing partici- pants to a new sporting activi- ty, the project has demonstrat- ed how walking football can strengthen social connections, build confidence and create op- portunities for older adults to remain active members of their communities. The successful collaboration between the Maltese and Italian partners has also created a model that can be replicated by football clubs, local councils and com- munity organisations seeking in- novative ways to promote active ageing and social wellbeing. BOV employees visit Mapfre head office in Madrid BANK of Valletta has reaf- firmed its commitment to de- livering high-quality insurance and pension solutions for cus- tomers through its ongoing collaboration with Mapfre Msv Life, following a visit to Madrid for high-performing representa- tives from across the Bank's dis- tribution network. The short visit brought togeth- er representatives from BOV's Investment Centres, Personal Banking Channels, Business De- velopment and Customer Value, and Private Banking teams. The initiative recognised strong per- formance in Insurance Services and Pensions during 2025, while also giving participants direct exposure to one of the Group's leading international operations. During the programme, par- ticipants visited Mapfre's head office in Majadahonda, where they met senior management and gained first-hand insight in- to the company's business mod- el, life insurance strategy and investment management oper- ations. The visit also gave them the opportunity to broaden their product knowledge, understand Mapfre's approach to customer service, and exchange ideas with colleagues and experts from across the Group. Beyond recognising individual and team achievement, the visit highlighted the value of contin- uous professional development in helping BOV representatives strengthen their understanding of the solutions offered to cus- tomers in Malta. It also rein- forced the Bank's commitment to investing in the expertise needed to provide customers with informed guidance across insurance, protection and long- term financial planning. Alex Bezzina, Head of Insur- ance Services and Pensions Of- fice at the Bank, accompanied the group. Commenting on the trip, he noted that, "This initia- tive recognised the strong con- tribution of our teams while also giving them valuable exposure to Mapfre's wider expertise and operations. Opportunities like this strengthen knowledge, en- courage the sharing of ideas and help us continue supporting customers with greater confi- dence and insight when it comes to insurance and pension solu- tions." BOV remains committed to working closely with Mapfre Msv Life to build on this part- nership and continue enhanc- ing the quality of service and solutions available to customers seeking protection, savings and retirement planning options.