To mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, IDSDP, celebrated on the 6th of April 2022, Vassallo Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pio Vassallo, and CareMalta’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Sciriha, cycled to all 12 care homes and facilities, managed by CareMalta, in one race as a symbol of unity.

The Vassallo Group Chairperson, Ms. Natalie Briffa Farrugia has also participated in this event covering part of the 100km distance along with two of the Group Directors Charlo Bonnici and Neville Calleja who have participated in this cycle/run event.

The event, the Vassallo Group Century Ride, was held on the eve of IDSDP, the 5th of April, with Mr. Vassallo and Mr. Sciriha covering a distance of 100km.

The starting point was at Casa San Paolo in St. Pauls’ Bay at 8:00 am and the last route was from Casa Arkati to the Head Office of Vassallo Group in Mosta, reaching the 100km mark.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated annually on the 6th of April, to recognize the positive role of sport and physical activity.

After reaching the point of arrival, the Chairperson of the Group, Ms. Natalie Briffa Farrugia expressed her gratitude to all participants, from employees to residents at CareMalta’s homes and facilities, for their input and dedication to making this initiative a success by participating in various ways according to one’s abilities.

“This day is of great significance for us at Vassallo Group as we want to be at the forefront when it comes to promoting sports and physical activity. We believe that by increasing awareness about the benefits of sports, we can find ourselves both mentally and physically, more determined to overcome challenges while highlighting opportunities for persons of all abilities. This is the power of sports.”

Vassallo Group CEO, Mr. Pio Vassallo said that as today the world is facing generational challenges, from poverty to climate change to the Coronavirus pandemic and recently the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we need to overcome differences and work together as a team, now more than ever.

“Sport has the power to change the world we are living in. It can create peace and a safer environment and that is what we tried to achieve when we decided to create the Vassallo Group Century Ride event,” said Mr. Vassallo.

Citing the importance of unity and generational diversity, CareMalta’s CEO, Mr. James Sciriha explained that in all care homes and facilities managed by CareMalta, interculturalism is key, with deep understanding and respect for all employees and residents with different cultures and nationalities, thus, creating a sense of peace which is imperative for the company.

“Sports has the power of uniting people of different cultures, beliefs, and orientations. All united for the same goal. Sports has no boundaries,” said Mr.James Sciriha

Due to its vast reach, unparalleled popularity, and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute to the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace.

The Chief Executive for the Mediterranean College of Sport and Learning Works Malta, Mr. Charlo Bonnici, who also participated in the event mentioned how the Group has always promoted the importance of sport.

Bonnici further explained that Learning Works, a subsidiary of Vassallo Group, is developing a new private college, the Mediterranean College of Sport, MCS.

“The high level of education that student-athletes will acquire within the Mediterranean College of Sport will be fuelled by sports science and data analysis, all monitored by professional educators and with a student-centered approach, the student-athletes will have the best opportunity to excel”, said Bonnici.

The College, due to open its doors in 2024, will provide various sports facilities, including a new football ground, swimming pool, various gymnasia, and a new sports science centre, all of which will be served by underground parking.

 

Background information

In 2013 the United Nations General Assembly declared the 6th of April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, IDSDP, to enhance the positive influence that sport can have, mainly by promoting human rights and for the advancement of economic and mostly social development.