The Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, recently met with a number of student-athletes who proudly represented Malta at the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe, held in Andorra between 26 and 31 May. The meeting served as an opportunity to celebrate their remarkable achievements and acknowledge the unique challenges they face in balancing academic and athletic commitments.

In his address, the Rector congratulated the athletes on their impressive performances and expressed pride in the fact that 15 members of Team Malta were students at the University of Malta. He praised their dedication and resilience in managing the demanding dual path of higher education and elite sport.

The Rector reiterated the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting student-athletes. While recognising the progress made in recent years, he acknowledged that further efforts are needed to improve coordination and enhance the academic experience of athletes who compete at high levels.

He highlighted the Student-Athlete Support Programme, introduced in the 2017–18 academic year, which continues to evolve in response to the needs of student-athletes. He also noted that although UM strives to adapt timetables and provide support during lecture periods to accommodate training camps and international qualification events, some limitations do occasionally arise. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed the institution's resolve to build on existing support structures and explore new ways of assisting student-athletes in reaching their full potential, both in the classroom and on the field.