Local Sports Associations, Federations and NGO’s and Voluntary Organizations are being invited to submit their nominations for the ‘Sport for Social Change’ category which will be introduced for the first time at the 64th edition of Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali.

For the first time in the history of these awards a new innovative award is being introduced to highlight and appreciate the amazing work of organizations across the Maltese Islands that are using sport and/or physical activity to create a positive impact on local communities and individuals in need.

The ‘Sport for Social Change Award’ is intended to increase the interest of sports entities to make that extra effort to help others. Sports Associations, Federations, NGO’s and VO’s can submit any of their initiatives which were held between the period 1st January till 31st December 2023. The initiative/s can be nationwide, or at local, grassroots level.

The award recognizes the growing influence of the sport for the development sector, which includes professional club foundations, charities, sports governing bodies, public sector and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.

Organizations tackling a wide range of important social issues in Malta such as physical, mental health and wellbeing, social exclusion, loneliness, racism, inequality and discrimination, crime and unemployment, are all encouraged to put forward their nomination for this Award. Initiatives tackling environmental issues through sport will be also considered.

Sandro Micallef, President of the Malta Sports Journalists Association said; ‘It is more important than ever that today we realize it’s time that we highlight some of the brilliant work that is being done behind the scenes in our sport community’.

Organizations, both inside and outside of sport, are now being invited to submit their applications for the award, which will be judged by a panel of experts on the following criteria:

Innovation and/or collaboration (10 points)
Impact and reach (10 points)
Scale and difficulty of the issue being tackled (10 points)
Legacy and sustainability of the project (10 points)
Resourcefulness and dedication of staff, coaches and volunteers (10 points)

The panel will be monitoring and evaluating the clarity and transparency of the project and the short listed nominees may be asked to provide proof or more information when asked to do so.

Applicants must provide an overview of no more than 300 words describing their project or ongoing work, plus a 200-word case study demonstrating the impact of the programme, for example on a specific individual or community.

Those interested to submit their nomination are to complete the online form below:

https://forms.gle/M7RSLhoHiZkjQhBa6

Shortlisted organizations will be invited to attend the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali 2024 which will be held on Saturday 2nd March 2024.

The inaugural winner of the award will receive a special trophy during the night.

Any questions or queries, should be addressed to the Malta Sports Journalists Association General Secretary Lorraine Cunningham on info@maltasportsjournalists.com.

The Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali is a yearly event organized by the Malta Sports Journalists Association and this year is supported by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youths, Research and Innovation.