Children giggled as they splashed about and swum energetically at the National Pool, Tal-Qroqq.

They were among a record number of 3,500 participants who have joined this year’s edition of Summer on the Move, a national programme organised by the sports council.

It includes a number of disciplines such as swimming, water boarding, basketball, dance and table tennis, with the youngest participant being four years old and the eldest 67.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Stefan Buontempo said this year’s edition was very satisfactory as, despite the increase in participants and disciplines, the cost remained the same as last year, when 3,000 people took part.

This was a result, Dr Buontempo added, of a decline in bureaucracy, better use of technology which resulted in 40 per cent of bookings being made online, and better use of equipment.

This year’s edition will comprise a large number of qualified coaches, as the choice was based on qualifications to ensure a high standard.

He encouraged people of all ages to take part – not merely children and youths but also elderly people.

“This is the Government’s commitment towards a more active society.”