Funding Maltese sport

Sport in Malta is becoming increasingly popular. It is therefore obvious that such a growth brings about discussion on funding opportunities and the adequacy of funding. Very often one hears that administrative funds, particularly at association level, are not sufficient.

This is probably true. However this does not mean that Government - the main sponsor of Maltese sport - is giving less. Funds are being deemed insufficient because associations are becoming more professional, employing qualified personnel, participating in various competitions abroad. Obviously their needs have grown.

A government funding policy for sport has to address all issues related to sport. In the past four years, besides addressing the lack of funds for administration, government has

¤ embarked on a programme to build sport facilities including national complexes and facilities and other projects;

¤ continued the process of passing on sport facilities to clubs and associations;

¤ increased support to associations and clubs;

¤ improved programmes aimed to increase participation in sport such as Skolasport, Sport for All and the Swimming Promotions Unit;

¤ increased help in the organisation of major tournaments;

¤ started to address the weaknesses in the educational system in the sports sector such as teachers and training for professional coaches;

¤ drafted a White Paper for Sports that will make Government`s role in sport more effective; and

¤ has drawn up a programme of assistance with the Malta Olympic Committee to help in the preparation of the GSSE games being held in Malta next year.

Government`s support to national associations

Until a number of years ago, there was no specific criteria on how government should support associations. Decisions used to be taken on the merit of each single request with the result that: not every association was being supported; inadequate distribution of funds; there was no conformity between the funds forwarded by government to the Malta Olympic Committee, and those forwarded to associations.

There was no correlation between the aid given and the policy associations ought to follow. Associations could not do any long-term planning.

Administrative funds need to reflect the particular associations` activities. Moreover, they need to be regular and consistent. Last year we started on a programme whereby all national associations recognised by the Malta Sports Council have been awarded regular funding.

These grants reflect the association`s level of participation and its particular needs. If one were to compare funds extended to associations in 1997, one finds that these totalled about Lm26,000. This year funds directly allocated to national associations through the Department of Youth and Sport total some Lm67,000.

It is Government`s intention that when the Sports Act is enacted and the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport takes on an executive role, this funding practice becomes embedded in its business plans. Moreover we wish to see more monitoring of funds allocated by Government.

While funds allocated by the Malta Olympic Committee are going towards elite preparations and are being ably monitored by the MOC, funds allocated by the KMS should be taken as being granted towards the development of sport. The KMS would have to monitor whether associations will be doing enough to extend opportunities for participation to all sectors of the population.

Usually associations benefit from the budget allocated under the Programme and Initiatives Fund. The MOC has been benefiting from these funds for a number of years. After the Sydney Olympics, it was decided that grants forwarded to the MOC should address a specific issue, that is the elite preparation of athletes in order to reach the best possible levels in various disciplines.

Following this decision we were able to launch a number of schemes for elite athletes, aspirant athletes, sparring partners, etc. The notion to continue to invest in the preparation of the elite has to be strengthened. We are going to concentrate on those disciplines that will take place in the 2003 Games. This is going to be the largest sporting event in Malta since 1993 and we want to achieve the best possible results. However in the coming years this concept should be extended to other sport disciplines.

Capital expenditure

As stated on various occasions there was a substantial increase in the capital expenditure for sport since 1996. The capital vote in 1997 and 1998 was Lm250,000. In 1998 only Lm110,000 were utilised. The capital vote increased from Lm250,000 in 1997 to Lm658,000 in 2001 and Lm1 million in 2002. This increase reflects the extensive facility development programme currently in hand.

The major capital projects embarked on by this administration are:

¤ the completion of all unfinished areas at the National Swimming pool complex and the completion of the multipurpose hall next to it;

¤ the construction of a regional sports complex in Cottonera;

¤ the extension and improvement of facilities at the Marsa sports complex; and

¤ the construction of a regional sports complex at Karwija.

The development of the facilities will directly benefit the national associations. Up to some years ago several of these did not have offices from where to carry out there administrative work. Some associations have to rent halls to carry out their national league competitions. It is Government`s intention to see that all national associations find a base from were to operate in one of the national or regional sports complexes.

This is already reflected in our construction plans. At the Swimming Pool Complex 15 offices were completed to house the administration of a number of associations. The Cottonera sports complex will be given a volleyball priority surface, which will help this association establish a base there.

The volleyball, athletics and bocci associations will eventually gain from the sport centres under construction in Cottonera, Marsa and the National Swimming Pool complex. I hope that the complex in Cottonera will eventually also host the fencing, dance sport and regatta associations. Sport disciplines such as gymnastics, handball, netball and badminton will definitely gain from the new facilities.

A new facility development programme

This year Government started a new programme. Financial grants were given for the upgrading of sport facilities. We are hoping that as from next year this programme will be managed by the Malta Sport Council. Revenue from the leasing and renting of facilities will be re-invested in the upgrading and improvement of sports facilities.

The concept is that this development takes place in partnership with the associations where they have to raise part of the funds. An agreement has already been reached with the hockey federation.

The challenge

Maltese sport is currently going through a positive phase, thanks to a long-term policy and a sound investment in resources and facilities. The merit is due to the numerous associations that are investing in administration, professional coaching and new development. It is also due to the efforts by the Malta Olympic Committee that has managed to make the best possible use of the increase in investment by a new concept of planning and monitoring.

Government`s responsibility to help national bodies and national associations will be embedded in the Sports Act - to be discussed and approved in Parliament in the coming weeks. Moreover a clause will also be included which will establish the concept that funds accruing from rents of sports facilities will be reinvested in facility development.

The challenge for the future is to achieve better results in all aspects, that is, participation, results, administration and education. It is only in this way that sport can truly benefit the Maltese people.