Free swimming lessons for young children launched in Cottonera

A Cottonera pilot project offering free swimming lessons to children aged three to five has officially been launched and will soon be extended to other facilities nationwide, Prime Minister Robert Abela said.

Abela visited the Cottonera Sports Complex pool on Sunday, where he saw the project in action first-hand and met the coaches providing the lessons.

He said free access to swimming lessons will bring several benefits to children from an early age, helping them adopt a healthy lifestyle while learning values such as discipline and independence.

The project was first announced as part of the Labour Party’s proposals ahead of last May’s general election and is among the measures set to be introduced within the government’s first 100 days in office.

Abela said sport will remain a government priority, noting that continued investment in the sector will help improve the wellbeing of Maltese and Gozitan citizens.

The project is expected to be managed by Sport Malta on top of a previous initiative which introduced free swimming lessons for children with autism.

The prime minister also met the voluntary organisation Just Keep Swimming which, under the leadership of coach Leanne Xuereb Ungaro, offers specialised lessons for children with disabilities.

Xuereb Ungaro said the lessons help children build self-confidence, while also supporting children with disabilities by improving calmness and focus, particularly since the programme is expected to take place during school hours.

Sport Minister Byron Camilleri and Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia accompanied the prime minister on the visit.