Tax cuts proposed in national sports strategy

The government is proposing a tax cut of up to Lm100 on children's sport-related bills as part of its new national sports strategy.

Besides a direct tax cut to parents, the strategy also proposes, on the same lines, a tax refund scheme on sports-related investment and tax credits to companies that sponsor sporting events.

The strategy recommends the introduction of anti-doping regulations and the holding of a national conference on sports.

The document, which covers 2007-2010, has been drawn up by the National Sports Council.

It proposes to focus primarily on the consolidation of national sports facilities and structures, the promotion of a sporting culture and to increase the profile for sports in the economy.

During a press conference announcing the document, Education Minister Louis Galea said the government would be calling a conference in the coming months to have stakeholders in the sports field debate the strategy and give their feedback.

The government regards sport as an important tool in improving people's lifestyle.

The World Health Organisation, for instance, estimates that some two million people die worldwide each year as a result of sedentary lifestyles. The aim of the national strategy is to promote sport with different sections of the population, while promoting healthy lifestyles and social inclusion.

The strategy lays particular emphasis on the economic aspect of sports. In fact, it is estimated that the industry already contributes to some 1.5 per cent of the country's GDP, primarily through sports-related tourism.