‘Ready, Set, Play!’ launched at St Paul’s Bay primary school to boost children’s physical activity

Education Minister Clifton Grima has officially launched the “Ready, Set, Play!” programme at Maria Regina College’s Patri Felic Sammut Primary School in St Paul’s Bay, describing it as a new step towards strengthening physical activity among children from an early age.

During the visit, Grima said physical education in Maltese schools is already given strong importance and forms an integral part of students’ daily routines, with PE lessons remaining the main foundation for children’s physical development.

He said the “Ready, Set, Play!” initiative has been designed to complement this work by providing more structured opportunities for children to move, develop fundamental movement skills and enjoy physical activity in an inclusive and engaging way.

Through the programme, students are taking part in regular sessions focused on essential skills such as agility, balance and coordination, while also building confidence and encouraging wider participation.

Grima said the initiative forms part of a broader vision for holistic education, in which children’s physical and mental wellbeing are given equal importance to academic learning.

It was also highlighted that “Ready, Set, Play!” is linked to the Malta School Games, which offer students the chance to continue developing in sport as they grow, progressing from participation to performance and excellence.

In this context, the minister also referred to the official Malta School Games song, “Logħob li jgħaqqadna”, performed by Glen Vella, saying it symbolises the unity and energy of sport among children and young people.

Grima said the programme represents a direct investment in children’s wellbeing, adding that it not only strengthens physical activity in schools but also helps children develop in a balanced way, build confidence and learn to enjoy movement from a young age. Together with the Malta School Games, he said, it is helping create a clear pathway from participation to excellence while building a healthier and more active generation.

School head Victoria Spiteri welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of keeping physical activity as an integral part of children’s educational experience. She said programmes such as “Ready, Set, Play!” reinforce the work already being carried out daily in schools in favour of students’ physical, social and emotional development.

The initiative forms part of a wider national vision that places children’s wellbeing at the centre of educational policy, while continuing to promote a balance between academic learning and a healthy, active lifestyle.

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