Paola, Malta – Last Saturday marked the conclusion of PUMP IT: Empowered Through Sport, a dynamic youth-led initiative organised by MOVE and the Malta Street Sports Alliance (MSSA). The final event brought together NGOs, policymakers, and young people to highlight the role of street sport in inclusion, wellbeing, and civic engagement.

Breaking from tradition, young people took centre stage, presenting three bold policy proposals to Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Hon. Chris Bonett, Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul, and Local Councils Association President Mario Fava. Other key stakeholders, including Project Green and Agenzija Żgħażagħ, were also present.

The youth proposals were clear:

• Co-Create Cities with Young People, Involve young people in city planning
• Prioritise infrastructure for active lifestyles
• Strengthen partnerships with NGOs to revitalise public spaces

Government Response

Minister Bonett praised the initiative and affirmed his commitment to the proposals:

“These ideas show the good will and ambition of Malta’s youth. I will do all I can to ensure their voices are not only heard but acted upon.”

He pledged to help identify Malta’s first Youth Park: a safe, inclusive space for youth-led sport, possibly through the regeneration of an existing underutilised site.

A Shared Vision

MSSA President Karl Naja described the event as a collective effort:

“This wasn’t just about MSSA and MOVE, it was about a shared belief in the power of street sport to reconnect communities. We need more skateparks and multi-use spaces that speak to youth realities.”

MOVE Founder and Placemaking Europe Malta representative Cynthia Debono added:

“Young people are some of the most active users of public space, yet they’re rarely involved in designing it. With rising obesity and mental health challenges, we must create spaces that support their wellbeing.”

She also called for formalised partnerships between NGOs and local councils to co-manage and activate underused spaces.

Legacy of Change

The final Pump It event was not only a celebration, but a launchpad for long-term transformation in how public spaces involve and serve Malta’s youth.

About PUMP IT

A joint initiative by MOVE and MSSA, PUMP IT empowered young people through street sports, promoting healthy lifestyles and active civic participation.