Today, at San Anton Palace, President Coleiro Preca presided over the launch of the 5th Edition of the Ċaqlaq Programme by Fundación Mapfre. This year, the focus will be on the awareness and enjoyment of physical exercise and related activities by children in local primary and secondary schools. Fundacion Mapfre will be teaming up with the Malta Volleyball Association (MVA), which will be implementing the programme on its behalf.
President Coleiro Preca, thanked Fundacion Mapfre, for their firm Corporate Social Responsibility beliefs which sees them sponsoring the Ċaqlaq programme for the fifth year running. The President also thanked the Malta Volleyball Association, for partnering in this edition, and for its commitment towards society in the field of sport, formation and social inclusion.
Her Excellency said that programmes such as Ċaqlaq are of extreme importance in Malta and Gozo, especially in light of the European Health Interview Survey, which states that Malta is the most obese nation in the European Union, outweighing Latvia by 5%. The same survey also states that more than one in 4 adults, (approximately 24%) are considered obese. Meanwhile, a study entitled ‘Prevalence of Obesity in Malta – 2014-2016), issued by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery states that 7 in 10 adults are overweight or obese.
The President also said that, initiatives such as Ċaqlaq, are also an effort to creatively support the work of sports diplomacy, as a means of increasing dialogue and cultural understanding among the diverse communities.
Lastly, President Coleiro Preca stated that these activities continue to raise awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, thus maintaining the wellbeing of the individual, of the family, and of the community.