For the third consecutive year, insurer Mapfre MSV Life has supported the SportMalta Awards, confirming its commitment to encourage people to make sport a staple activity in their routine for a healthy lifestyle.

The SportMalta Awards, organised by SportMalta, together with the Malta Sports Journalists Association, is a hugely anticipated event by local sport enthusiasts, particularly athletes, coaches and sport administrators.

The awards were the brainchild of esteemed sports journalist Benny Pace who 55 years ago dreamed of creating them through his journal The Sporting Star. The winner of the first edition in 1960 was Wilfred Pirotta, diver and founder member of the Malta Sub Aqua Club, who was honoured with the annual Sportsman of the Year award. This year’s winner was drag racer Duncan Micallef.

“As Mapfre MSV Life, we are honoured to be associated with such a prestigious event in the local sports scene,” said business development chief officer Michael Galea. “The SportMalta Awards provide an excellent opportunity for Maltese sportsmen to be recognised and rewarded for their talent and efforts. Mapfre MSV Life’s contribution towards the awards is an endorsement to the increasing popularity of local sport and to the importance sport and a healthier lifestyle play in people’s lives.”

Since their inception, new categories have been introduced. This year’s edition included Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, Male and Female Youth of the Year, Best Initiative for the Organisation of an International Event in Malta, Male and Female Special Olympics Award, Best Gozitan Athlete and the SportMalta Award.

The award-giving ceremony, hosted by Pamela Schembri, took place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.