On the 27th of October IPES hosted Gianmarco Rosato, an ex-Italian roller skate champion
as well as a PhD student to deliver a two-hour seminar dedicated to ‘inclusive benefits of
motor skill development through roller skating’. Gianmarco won multiple medals in world
championships and competitions across the globe. Gianmarco wed together the theoretical
foundations of motor and locomotor skill development through the medium of roller skating.
Following a theoretical presentation, Gianmarco highlighted how this creative and appealing
sport powerfully impinges on motor development with interesting potential across inclusive
settings. Following this part, students were challenged in transferring their acquired sport
skills to trying out this non-conventional sport. Following this seminar further discussion are
planned to potentially offer roller skating practice as part of the extra-curricular activities
offered to University students by IPES
The Institute for Physical Education and Sport has produced Malta’s third GoPA! (Global Observatory for Physical Activity) Country Card and Malta’s first-ever GoPE! (Global Observatory for Physical Education) Country Card. These report cards, developed by Prof. Andrew Decelis in collaboration with the observatories’ teams, highlight the nation’s current status in physical activity and physical education.
The Malta GoPA! (Global Observatory for Physical Activity) Country Card provides a snapshot of local movement trends, showing modest improvements over the last five years, with adult physical activity rates at 58% and 59%, respectively. It reveals that men are more active than women, with active transport usage holding steady at a low 5%. Encouragingly, there has been an increase in locally conducted physical activity research.
The 2025 Physical Activity Card highlights a critical advancement with a High rating in national policy, reflecting the introduction and implementation of Malta’s new government framework, “A Strategy for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity 2025-2030.” This policy milestone positions Malta as a leader in national commitment to promoting physical activity.
Physical inactivity continues to be a major risk factor for chronic diseases worldwide. Globally, one in three adults remain physically inactive, varying by region from 5% in Africa to nearly 10% in Europe and the Americas.
This third set of Global Observatory for Physical Activity Report Cards was officially launched during the HEPA (Health-Enhancing Physical Activity) Europe 2025 Conference. Simultaneously, the inaugural edition of GoPE (Global Observatory for Physical Education) was unveiled, focusing on school-based physical education and physical activity.
The GoPE report card reveals that 19% of Maltese adolescents meet recommended physical activity levels, with boys (23%) outperforming girls (14%). The card celebrates the national curriculum and policy for mandatory physical education across all school years, recognising recent initiatives aimed at increasing PE lessons and physical activity opportunities in schools.
The Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE) builds on the extensive work of GoPA!, aiming to close surveillance, policy, and research gaps in physical education and school-based physical activity worldwide.
Dr Andrea Ramírez Varela, Co-chair of GoPA!, emphasises, “The rising burden of non-communicable diseases has driven rapid expansion in tools and initiatives, yet GoPA! remains the leading independent, evidence-based, dynamic, collaborative, action-oriented surveillance system, powered by dedicated Country Contacts across the globe.”
Prof. Andrew Decelis added, “The Country Cards for Malta are more than just data; they serve as catalysts for action, supporting policymakers in setting meaningful goals and empowering community programmes and partnerships aimed at fostering active lifestyles in Malta.”
16th - 17th October 2025
In light of the growing needs on promoting and developing motor skills in young children, the Institute for Physical Education and Sport (IPES) organised a two day practical workshop between the 16th and the 17th of October. For this workshop the Institute hosted Dominique Chiquet, the founder of the Motor Skills Academy in Switzerland and a renowned master in motor skills teaching and learning with young children. Dominique specialises in designing Physical Education curricula for young children. Throughout the two-day workshop he presented a myriad of practical examples implementing motor skill learning across the medium of creativity and innovation; two essential qualities which are appealing to young learners. The workshop was attended by over 130 participants which included IPES students as well as students reading for a Master’s Degree with the Faculty of Education specialising in Physical Education. Thanks to the support of the Directorate of Curriculum, Lifelong Learning, and Employability within the Ministry of Education, a significant number of primary PE teachers working in local primary schools participated in this workshop. All attendees were provided with access to numerous ready to use online resources and a certificate for participation. https://www.facebook.com/um.physicaleducandsport
Thank you to all who participated in the SEA-EU Alliance 3K Fun Run/Walk last Sunday at UM! Your energy and enthusiasm made it a memorable event! https://www.facebook.com/reel/1377400363260207
Participants not only completed the 3K but also contributed to the ongoing SEA-EU Virtual Race Month. Together, we're promoting physical activity and international collaboration! If you haven't joined yet, it's not too late to take part in the SEA-EU Virtual Race Month, running until 31 March. Here's how you can still join:
Log into the Strava App
Search for La Solidaire de Brest 2025 under the Groups tab
Join the group and track your activity!
As part of the Christmas on Campus activities 2019, the Institute for Physical Education and Sport in collaboration with the Precincts Office, Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office and Chaplaincy organised a football tournament between IPES members of staff and students. A lovely sum was collected in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund and Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Visit our Facebook page for more information on this and other events being held.
History Boys RFC, a rugby team from the Edinburgh University History Society in collaboration with the Institute for PE & Sport, University of Malta organised a rugby session on Friday, 22 February 2019 for B.Sc (Hons) in Sport & Physical Activity first year students at one of the UM turf pitches.
IPES would like to thank History Boys RFC Tour Secretary Euan Saunders, Vice Captain James Sword, Robert Robertson and Edward Wolsey-Cooper for this fantastic session.
The B.Sc (Hons) in Sport and Physical Activity first year students attended the Advanced Tag Rugby Course on Thursday, 22 February 2018.