Free swimming lessons for children are set to expand to more localities following a pilot project at the Cottonera Sports Complex, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during a visit to the facility.
Abela said it was a “conscious and considered decision” to include the swimming lessons pilot among the measures to be introduced during the first 100 days of the legislature.
During his visit, the Prime Minister met swimming coaches and school administrators providing training to children. He said free access to lessons could help children adopt a healthy lifestyle from an early age while developing values, discipline and greater independence.
The Prime Minister said sport would remain high on the government’s agenda, arguing that further investment could improve the wellbeing of Maltese and Gozitan people. Following the Cottonera pilot, the free lessons are expected to be extended to other localities.
Abela also met the voluntary organisation Just Keep Swimming, led by teacher Leanne Xuereb Ungaro, which provides specialised lessons for children with disabilities.
Xuereb Ungaro said swimming helps children build confidence and feel safe, while specialised lessons can also help children feel calmer and more focused.
The programme will be administered by SportMalta and follows another free swimming initiative for children with autism.
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