The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC), through its Media, Technical and Women in Sport Commissions, has officially launched Passing the Torch: Women in Sport Mentorship Programme to mark the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The initiative is being delivered in collaboration with Commonwealth Sport Malta as part of the country’s preparations for the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games, highlighting the shared commitment of both organisations to strengthening opportunities for young female athletes and developing the next generation of leaders in sport.

The programme is a structured 12-month pilot running from April 2026 to March 2027, designed to empower, support and retain young female athletes through meaningful mentorship relationships with Malta’s leading women in sport.

Maria Vella-Galea, Media Commission Member and Project Lead, explained:

“Passing the Torch is about creating visible, structured leadership pathways for young women in sport. We are connecting experience with ambition — ensuring the next generation has access to guidance, confidence and real-life insight from those who have already competed at the highest levels.”

The mentor cohort comprises accomplished female athletes who have represented Malta at the Olympic, Commonwealth, Mediterranean Games and Games of the Small States of Europe. Beyond competition, they bring leadership, performance-environment experience and continued involvement in sport through coaching, officiating and administration. They have also always embraced the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship.

Mentors include Eleanor Bezzina (Shooting), Joanna Camilleri (Judo), Diane Desira nee Borg (Athletics), Elaine Genovese (Tennis), Sana Grillo (Gymnastics), Amy Micallef (Swimming), Laurie Pace (Judo), Maya Podesta (Sailing) and Michelle Vella Wood (Triathlon).