COLOFON

Sliema opened its doors to ESWAM, bringing together 19 delegates from across Europe. Thanks to the dedication of our local hosts and the curiosity, enthusiasm and shared expertise of all participants, this study visit became an inspiring exploration of how sport, heritage and public space can shape more active communities.

ESWAM eMagazine | Malta Special

Exploring how sport, space and community come together.

This special edition of the ESWAM eMagazine takes you to Malta, where sport, heritage, public space and innovation come together in unexpected ways. Inspired by our study visit to Sliema in October 2026, we share stories about the people, organisations and places that are shaping a more active society.

Published by

European Sports and Wellbeing Alliance for Municipalities (ESWAM)

Editorial coordination

Marcel de Visser & Arno Hermans

With special thanks to

Sliema Local Council, SportMalta, Malta Basketball Association, Malta Football Association, Sliema Wanderers FC, Sliema Aquatic Sports Club, Neptunes Waterpolo & Swimming Club, Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AiMS), and all the local representatives who generously shared their experiences and insights.

Study visit

Sliema, Malta | 5–7 October 2026

Participating cities and organisations

Dublin, Genk, Mechelen, Rotterdam, Sliema, Utrecht and Waterford. More information

www.sportsvitality.com/eswam/

Delegates

ESWAM Study Visit Malta · 5–7 October 2026

Abdrahman Labsir (City of Mechelen)

Angela Monaghan (Dún Laoghaire Sports)

Bas Mourits (City of Rotterdam)

Dave Dinnigan (Dublin City Council)

Dimitri Georgopalis (City of Genk)

Ellen Krabbenborg (City of Rotterdam)

Emily Crawley (Fingal County Council)

Eoin Morrissey (Waterford City)

Kathleen Parthoens (City of Genk)

Lies Vertommen ()City of Mechelen

Mirjam Poelmans (City of Genk)

Nuala Casey (Fingal County Council)

Peter Jones (Waterford City County Council)

Remco Aarts (City of Rotterdam)

Simon Clarke (Dublin City Council)

Slaus van Dam (City of Utrecht)

Thom van Berkel City of Utrecht)

Arno Hermans (ESWAM)

Marcel de Visser (ESWAM)

Hosts

John Pillow (Sliema Local Council)

Pierre-Paul Portelli (Sliema Local Council)

Ryan Borg (Sliema Local Council)

Wallace Baldacchino (Sliema Local Council)