Strengthening active ageing through sports and voluntary organisations
Collaboration with voluntary organisations
Staff Reporter ||
Published: March 6, 2026, 5:03 pm
Minister Julia Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea observing a shooting session for the elderly at Ħal Far.
More than 200 elderly individuals from various active ageing centres across Malta participated in a shooting workshop organized at the Ħal Far Shooting Range, as part of a monthly initiative that began in January.
This initiative was led by the voluntary organization Southern Shooting Club Malta as part of the "More Inclusive Communities" scheme launched last year by the Ministry for Inclusion.
Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea visited one of the training sessions.
So far, there have been 16 different sessions, with strong interest and encouraging participation from elderly people attending day centres across the country. The training is led by committee members in a safe and controlled environment, where participants are guided by professionals in the sport.
The initiative sends a clear message that sport is for everyone and that age should never be a barrier to active participation in society. Participation has been spread between men and women, with women currently showing even higher attendance.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the activity offers physical and mental benefits, including improved balance and posture, increased coordination and fine motor skills, as well as strengthening concentration. At the same time, social interaction and community engagement among participants are being enhanced.
This collaboration with voluntary organizations is also aligned with one of the key pillars of Vision Malta 2050, particularly macro measure 84, which promotes joint work with voluntary organizations to increase the participation of the elderly in community and social activities.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained, "Through the More Inclusive Communities scheme, we didn't just give funds but gave trust and clear direction to voluntary organizations to be protagonists in building a fairer society. This is our policy in practice, putting resources where they are needed and empowering communities to lead change themselves.
"Vision Malta 2050 is not a document on a shelf, but a clear strategy for a country that includes everyone. Measure 84 clearly speaks about strengthening collaboration with voluntary groups so that the elderly remain participants and are not left to fall into isolation and loneliness. That is why as a Government we are delivering this commitment with concrete actions, not just words," concluded Minister Farrugia.
Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea stated, "All this fits perfectly into the Government's vision as described in Vision Malta 2050, which places deserved emphasis on the quality of life of our citizens and on everything that leads to a person growing older but remaining active, resilient to difficulties, and open to opportunities.
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