Unconfirmed reports that new sports facilities are being built in Gozo are welcome indeed.

More than ever, in an age of many dubious distractions, young people and others should be actively encouraged to take up sports, not least to promote the development of a physically and morally healthy lifestyle.

It goes without saying that the relevant authorities should make sure the projected facilities are in compliance with the standard requirements of each sport.

In the context of tennis, for example, there should be ample space between the perimeter of the court and the surrounding fences while the court itself should be properly aligned north to south. Otherwise, it is hard to imagine how one can play proper tennis. The tennis community also hopes that at least two adjacent courts are being planned in order to prevent booking congestion and enable competitions to be held.

One looks forward to the completion of such a project, one that is bound to pro-mote the welfare of locals and visitors alike.