New sports facilities, including a refurbished football pitch, were recently inaugurated at the Don Bosco Oratory, Victoria, by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and blessed by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

A financial donation by the Gozo Ministry was instrumental in the transformation of this pitch and related areas.

The new facilities include a seven-a-side football pitch, which incorporates two five-a-side pitches. Toilets and showers, together with the dressing rooms, were completely refurbished and new lighting was installed.

Ms Debono praised the initiative taken by the Don Bosco Oratory's administration to upgrade the facilities, which are used by hundreds of children and young people.

She said that through the financial support provided by the ministry, pupils attending Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School will be able to use the facilities. This, she said, will enhance other modernisation works carried out in recent years in State schools.

The Don Bosco Oratory started to offer its service to youngsters in Gozo in 1949 and today it provides an educational and recreational environment to hundreds of children and their families who attend the oratory regularly.

Paul Galea, vice-president of the oratory, said this project, which the committee had long wanted to carry out, would never have materialised without the help of all past and present committee members who regularly contributed money for the purpose, the Gozo Ministry, the Good Causes Fund, and the Victoria council.