This year the ESN Malta was nominated and also received an honourable mention for their Sports Programme in the STARawards
The STARawards are an annual initiative of the Erasmus Student Network aimed at the recognition and appreciation of the work member organisations do in a span of one year. Each year local and national organisations submit their initiatives, activities, events, projects, programmes, and campaigns across several categories, in the hope of being crowned as the best member out of 550 section and 42 countries.
An international jury consisting of experts in the field of health and wellbeing alongside other volunteers selected ESN Malta’s Sports Programme worthy of an honourable mention. ESN Italy was awarded the StarAward for health for their organisation of their National Erasmus Games 2019. However, ESN Malta received recognition for their remarkable initiative and work carried out over the past year.
Over 200 international students participated in the ESN Malta Sports Programme this year. Alongside the weekly activities, ESN Malta also organises the Health & Wellbeing Week on campus. This is part of an international initiative which was organised for the first time back in October 2019.
The ESN Malta Sports Programme began in 2017 when an Erasmus student in Malta would organise a weekly 5-aside football session between Maltese locals and other Erasmus exchange students. Today, ESN Malta organises two 7-aside sessions each week which are open to all.
A highlight of this year’s sports programme was ESN Malta’s decision to partner with the Malta University Sports Club. MUSC’s successful 2019/2021 GIDA League team included a number of Erasmus and international students. Besides partnering with other student societies on Campus, ESN Malta has also collaborated with local businesses such as Dive Base and Malta Surf School.
Apart from competitive activities, ESN Malta also promote leisurely Sunday hikes which are organised by Ray Saliba, a receptionist at the University Residence. These hikes allow students to discover Malta in a more sustainable way as they explore the greener side of the islands all while listening to the interesting stories that Mr Ray Saliba has to offer.
ESN Malta is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle among the Erasmus Generation and hopes to expand the number of sporting activities on offer. ESN Malta is currently looking for sports coordinators to join the team for 2020/2021.