European Aquatics and Malta strengthen strategic cooperation to advance inclusive water polo

European Aquatics has reinforced its commitment to inclusive development in aquatic sport following a strategic coordination meeting in Malta with the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA Malta) and Waterpolo Ability Malta (WAM).

The meeting brought together Antonio Silva, President of European Aquatics, Karl Izzo, President of ASA Malta, representatives of the WAM Foundation: Tim Camilleri, Anthony Farrugia, Michael Paris and Dr Alessandro Oliviero, and Silvia Costa, Project Manager at European Aquatics.

Discussions focused on strengthening structured cooperation in Malta throughout 2026, with particular emphasis on embedding Water Polo Inclusion (WPI) within the European Aquatics Long-Term Strategy Programme.

Participants underlined that inclusion must be fully integrated into the federation’s development pathway, governance structures and competition environments. The unified competition model, which focuses on enabling athletes with and without disabilities to compete together under shared sporting objectives, supported by adapted regulations where required, was identified as a central pillar of this approach and a reference framework for future development at European level.

Operational steps agreed included the establishment of a dedicated coordination group, the definition of athlete eligibility and classification criteria by the end of March, and continued institutional dialogue to support implementation.

Inclusion initiatives linked to the 2026 men’s and women’s Champions League Final Four events in Malta were also discussed as an opportunity to further promote inclusive water polo within the European Aquatics calendar.

In parallel, European Aquatics and ASA Malta met with Clifton Grima, Malta’s Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, to review broader strategic projects to be delivered in 2026.

Together, these outcomes position Malta as a key partner in advancing structured inclusion and long-term development across European Aquatics disciplines.

Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics

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