Local Sports Associations, Federations, NGO’s and Voluntary Organizations are being invited to submit their nominations for the second edition of the ‘Sport for Social Change’ category at the 65th Edition of the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali.

This award has been introduced last year 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 of the year under review (2024). 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.

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 adjucating 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 fill in the form below to 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.

https://forms.gle/47PBKPGopFDeNiet5

Shortlisted organizations will be invited to attend the 65th Edition of the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali on Saturday 1st March 2025.

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