New sports arena inaugurated at St. Aloysius College in Malta

Yesterday, Thursday 14 November, the inauguration ceremony was held for the new sports facility that will be part of the St. Aloysius College campus in Malta and will be managed by the Vassallo Group. After two and a half years of construction, this school within the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Jesuit Schools is ready to welcome students aspiring to a career in sports while pursuing a high-quality education rooted in Ignatian values of excellence.

F. Jimmy Bartolo SJ, former President of the Jesuit Education Foundation and current Rector of the Maltese institution, shares the process behind the creation of the sports complex and the ambitions driving the School towards a new vision, embracing the values of sports, community, and youth development.

Director, could you tell us more about the facilities and schools that make up the St. Aloysius College?

Our institution is an educational center that includes three levels of education: primary school, secondary school, and a preparatory school for higher education, known as the Sixth Form. These three institutions, along with our sports complex inaugurated in 1997, form the heart of our campus. Our mission is to offer students a holistic education based on Ignatian values and personal growth.

Important renovations of the sports facility have been completed, could you tell us more about it?

Two and a half years ago, we entered into a collaborative agreement with Vassallo Group, represented by an alumnus who wanted to contribute to the future development and growth of our institution. This project included the renovation and expansion of the school building, particularly the sports arena.

The gym has been upgraded, and a cafeteria and fitness center have been added, which will be accessible to both our students and the public, allowing the entire community to benefit from suitable spaces and services.

The agreement also included the establishment of the Mediterranean College of Sport by Vassallo Group, a private school offering targeted studies that will initially host 90 students, providing young people with high-quality sports education.

Apart from the new facilities, what else does the renovated campus offer?

Among the main additions, we have Malta’s first sports science lab, a gymnastics area, a new parking lot, a seven-a-side football pitch, a swimming pool, and a childcare center for employees who need a place for their children. We also have the “Sports Star Lodge,” a dormitory that will accommodate both Maltese and international students. This investment represents an extraordinary opportunity for the student and local community, as it allows us to welcome athletes and students from around the world and to offer quality spaces and services.

What values led to this renovation project and will guide future projects?

At the heart of everything is our desire to build an inclusive, open, and supportive community. We are fortunate to have a partner who shares our ideals and cares deeply about the past and future of the Institute. One of the most meaningful aspects of this project is the initiative of a former student who wanted to give back to the School, showing dedication and solidarity with the values he learned here.

What impact does this project have on your educational mission?

From the start, St. Aloysius College has invested in sports as an educational tool. This initiative allows us to provide young people with opportunities for academic and physical growth by offering spaces and resources that promote their well-being and team spirit. We hope these shared spaces will become a meeting point for young people and families, strengthening bonds and creating a support network that extends beyond the school walls.

Father Jimmy, when and how did the inauguration of the sports arena take place?

The inauguration ceremony was held on November 14th, a date symbolically chosen to commemorate the birth of Father Arrupe, an inspiring figure for our Jesuit order. It was a special and unique event: we had the honor of hosting the President of the Republic, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta along with the Honorable Clifton Grima, Minister of Education and Pio Vassallo, CEO of Vassallo Group.

The day was a moment of great celebration, not only for the Institute but for the entire Maltese community, as it celebrated a project that required much commitment and dedication. Together, we are building not only new structures but also an environment of growth and sharing that we hope will inspire future generations, certain of the great benefits it will bring to our community.